THE Preston branch of a homeless organisation could be forced to move out of the city if it can't find a site to build on.

The local arm of Emmaus, which hopes to give 25 homeless people somewhere to live and work as well as an allowance, has been trying to move to a new home in Preston for five years.

But so far no suitable premises have been found, and the group has hit one hurdle after another.

Councillor Danny Gallagher, who runs the Preston branch from an office in Lancaster Road, said: "We don't want to move from Preston. It's still our preferred option, to establish a community in or very near to Preston.

"It would be a shame if we had to move but we have had five years now of finding sites which always get knocked back for one reason or another."

Emmaus was formed more than fifty years ago, and there are now branches across the UK. Needy people are recommended by groups like the police, the council and charities, and in Preston local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant have thrown their weight behind the group by becoming patrons.

But the group are keen to point out they are not a shelter or hostel. Anybody with histories of alcoholism or drug abuse must prove they are willing to stick to strict rules.

Coun Gallagher said: "If they go back to those days they are asked to leave. There are only three rules: no alcolhol, no violence and no drugs."

Emmaus Preston is working with the county council and Preston City Council in an effort to find somewhere to build a home, and at one point there were plans to move to a site off Pope Lane in Ribbleton, but residents objected as there are plans to turn the area into a nature reserve.

Then Emmaus were hoping to use a floor of the historic Centenary Mill in New Hall Lane, as part of a scheme by regeneration agency English Partnerships, but the bid fell through.

But now they are getting offers from further afield, and could soon be waving goodbye to Preston.

Coun Gallagher said: "We are beginning to have sites suggested to us which are not in the immediate, central Lancashire area. We don't want to move but the priority has to be to get a community up and running. We have to look."

To set up a 'community' they would need a site of around three or four acres, or 30,000 square feet. The building would have living space, workshops, cafe, and a shop, as well as car parking.

If anyone can help they can call Coun Gallagher on 01772 715058 or 07709 046093.