IT'S SO-FA so good for a new furniture recycling scheme on the Fylde Coast.

The Furniture Project based in Fleetwood takes unwanted settees, beds, kitchen tables and more from Wyre and Fylde residents -- and finds them new owners.

"One of the reasons was the amount of furniture being thrown in landfill sites, so there was an environmental issue," explained project co-ordinator, Guy Hay.

He said another reason was that smaller furniture schemes were being swamped with donated items for which they just didn't have the room -- hence the need for a bigger scheme.

People on low incomes or benefits can use the scheme. It costs them just a few pounds delivery charge on items, such as £5 for a single bed.

The Furniture Project was set up last year by nine groups including Flakefleet, West View and Broadwaters Community Associations, the Salvation Army, Wyre Borough Council and Wyre Housing Association.

At the moment it is funded jointly by money from the Lancashire Environmental Fund (LEF) and the government's Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) fund, plus sponsorship from Now!, Lancashire's new learning and work information service.

The scheme operates out of a refurbished unit on Burn Hall industrial estate, Fleetwood and is staffed by Guy, a small staff team and volunteers.

He appealed for more help, particularly a voluntary cleaner, administration assistant and a reserve driver, to come forward.

More community groups are also needed to start nominating people to receive furniture.

And Guy said the group is already looking to the future.

"Setting up a website will be next on the agenda," he said.

For more details contact: The Furniture Project on 827215.