A NEW £500,000 scheme aimed at providing a furniture restoration scheme for residents of Parr, Thatto Heath and Sutton to provide skills and affordable products, has been given the green light with European and National Lottery funding.

The Future scheme was first suggested three years ago by local residents themselves who brought it to the attention of the Pathways community project.

And, following feasibility studies and collaboration with other local organisations, including St Helens Council, St Helens College, St Helens Chamber of Commerce, training and Enterprise, Maritime Housing Association, Riverside Housing Association and the Territorial Employment Pack (TEP), the project looks set to get off the ground shortly.

Future will work by taking in donated items of furniture from within St Helens which fully-trained workers will then repair and renovate to a high standard. These restored furniture pieces will then be put on sale at affordable prices for the benefit of people on low incomes.

There will be two bases; the main business one being at St Helens College and another facility at Bold Business Centre for stripping down and storing goods.

Pathways' representative Keith Deakin, said: "It is fantastic to see it come to fruition. It will provide training and furniture at a price everyone can afford. I can't wait to see it all set up.

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