IT'S onward Christian soldiers for the resort's Salvation Army as Blackpool Challenge Partnership injects a £217,000 lifeline into the religious centre's homeless project.

The Bridge Project in the basement of the Salvation Army Citadel, Raikes Parade, previously offered clean clothing and blankets, a health clinic, a short respite from the cold or just somewhere to go for a warm drink and a piece of toast for the resort's homeless.

The BCP cash will update and vastly improve the outdated facilities at the centre and the Salvation Army has agreed to fund the remaining 50 per cent needed to complete the scheme.

Salvationist Trevor Gotobed, who is manager of the Bridge Project, said: "This will make our project more prominent with a new entrance and there will be a new kitchen, a washroom, toilets and counselling rooms etc. It will be marvellous and I hope the people appreciate it.

"The building has already been gutted and the renovations are hoped to be finished by May 6."

This will be the first Salvation Army project of its kind in Britain offering immediate assessment and referral to relevant agencies, advice and support, a professional counselling service, an improved health clinic with the services of a doctor, dentist and chiropodist and proper clothing and laundry facilities.

Latest figures reveal there are 2,000 to 3,000 homeless people on the streets of Blackpool who are sleeping on friend's floors, in B&Bs and in hostels. There are only three or four actual roofless people who sleep on the street, such as Jim whom The Citizen highlighted in November.

On average, 300 drop into the Bridge Project each week and the Salvation Army's Major Derek Tyrell said: "The support we have received from Blackpool Challenge Partnership has been first class and has enabled the town to become a pioneer for this kind of centre.

"You have to remember that when they walk through our door many people have no self esteem. They feel useless. Our role here is to help to put them back on the first rung of the ladder to a normal existence."

Partnership manager Alan Cavill said: "One of the main aims of Blackpool Challenge Partnership is to improve the quality of life for people in the town and this scheme fits the bill perfectly. It is aimed at breaking the vicious circle in which the homeless find themselves trapped and to assist them back into mainstream life."

Old or unwanted furniture is still needed by the Bridge Project, but it must comply with fire regulations or it cannot be accepted. It can be dropped off on Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 4pm. Call 296792 for details.