A HOUSING scheme has had major design changes to support residents living with sight loss.

Tenants at Gwyn James Court in Penarth had a visit from town mayor Cllr Ken Lloyd last week following the changes.

Newydd Housing Association carried out the work inside and outside the homes in Penarth, for people aged 55 and above, with guidance from Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Cymru.

Following rigorous assessment by the sight loss charity and tenants, Newydd received the RNIB Cymru’s Visibly Better Platinum Award for the work carried out.

Major external changes such as a wide level access path around the building, installing tactile paving leading to the car park and highlighting kerbs adjacent to the road, have ensured that tenants with sight loss can navigate their way and enjoy spending time in the gardens without worrying about access and safety.

Internally, the communal areas at Gwyn James Court now have lighting controlled by movement sensors and window tinting has prevented glare from affecting poor vision.

Repositioned signage now allows tenants to read at eye level or to easily reach Braille and coloured handrails as well as painting different areas within the building means that tenants can easily identify where they are.

Cllr Lloyd was keen to find out what work had been done and what tenants thought of the changes.

"Gwyn James Court was outstanding; it’s one of the best places I have visited," he said.

"The changes made are simple but very impressive, such as the paint work throughout the building.”

The RNIB Cymru Platinum Award was presented to Newydd at a celebration afternoon tea in July.

Dave Watkins, visibly better co-ordinator, said: "Our Visibly Better awards make a huge difference to the lives of tenants.

"Often the changes are very simple but lead to a reduction in falls and accidents.

"Although the standards are aimed at improving accessibility for people with sight loss, they will benefit a wide range of tenants including people with dementia or mobility problems.

"It's great to see how the Visibly Better project is helping to make every day better for people with sight loss."