City's new flats for deaf people

The flats will help residents develop skills for independent living

Eight purpose-built one-bedroom flats for deaf people have been officially opened in Henbury, Bristol.

The flats, named Buckley Court after Ciaran Buckley a social worker for deaf people who died last year, are the first of their kind in the city.

Geraldine Buckley, Ciaran's wife, and his mother and father Maura and Hugh who are both deaf, unveiled a plaque at the flats in his honour.

The building includes a support office which is manned seven days a week.

The original property, which was demolished, had stood empty for sometime, attracting vandals, drug users and squatters.

Residents will be supported so they can develop skills for independent living, network into the deaf community, access education and employment.

The project is funded by the Housing Corporation, Adult Community Care and Elim Housing Association.

Ciaran worked within Adult Community Care's Sensory Service Team. His colleagues regarded him as a much respected Mental Health Social Worker for deaf and deaf and blind adults.