A COUPLE whose lives have been drastically changed by a cancer diagnosis now have their freedom back.

Derek Hall and Joanne Marsden Hall left private rented accommodation as a result of Derek’s brain cancer diagnosis three years ago.

The illness meant that Derek had to move his whole life downstairs and now spends most of his time in a wheelchair.

They found a Wigan Council rented housing development on Park Road in Hindley online and decided to put their name down for one of the bungalows.

Now, after three years of feeling isolated, Derek is part of a community again and lives only a mile away from Wigan and Leigh Hospice in Hindley where he spends time with people in similar situations.

He said: “When we lived in Astley, my life was spent in the living room. I couldn’t get upstairs so my medical bed and a commode were brought downstairs.

“Things I took for granted before I can now enjoy because being in the bungalow means I can be more independent.

"Everything here is futureproofed with people with extra needs in mind.

"I don’t have to worry about stairs, we have a wet room instead of a bath and all of the doorways are wide enough for my wheelchair.

"I know it would have taken us much longer to find a suitable home if we had continued to rent privately.

“For the first time in a while, we’re looking forward to Christmas and enjoying each other’s company.

"It’s not about the presents and the money for us, we’re happy and I’ve got my freedom back, that’s all that matters.”

The development the couple live at has been delivered as part of Wigan Council’s direct delivery programme.

Leigh Journal:

Derek and Joanne's bungalow

READ > Village residents say neighbouring council is ‘marking its own homework’ by approving development

The scheme consists of 60 houses and bungalows, which are being rented through the local authority.

The development includes 32 two bedroom houses, 16 three bedroom houses, four four bed houses and eight two bed bungalows, which were all completed in September.

Cabinet member for housing and welfare at the council, Cllr Terry Halliwell, said: “Through The Deal (the council's community deal) we are committed to building a high standard of accommodation that is well designed, attractive, and affordable for residents.

“It’s great that we can achieve this, while also helping people like Derek remain independent and connected to communities.”

National planning policy requires local authorities to demonstrate a five year supply of housing to meet demand.

Currently, Wigan Council can demonstrate more than six years.

Cllr Halliwell said: “Although we’re delivering house building at a pace that meets our housing requirement, this pace needs to be maintained to ensure our borough continues to thrive.

“We will continue to identify brownfield sites, stalled sites and key town centre sites for development in order to achieve this.”