A FORMER sheltered accommodation block in Leyland is to be transformed into a modern residence and meeting place for young people.

The former 40-flat Robert's House, opposite the Civic Centre, in West Paddock, was considered an ideal site for the South Ribble Foyer project.

Following approval from council planners in April, the Foyer Executive Group are set to push ahead with the development early next year, with a view to opening the doors in 2001.

It is hoped that the 15-flat Foyer site will provide a range of services for young people in the borough including a cyber cafe and children's nursery.

South Ribble District Youth and Community Service and Careerlink are set to re-locate their offices into the building along with the Youth Information Shop and KEY offices, currently housed in the neighbouring Leyland Youth Centre.

Other services and facilities will come from Runshaw College staff who hope to provide adult education and training classes from the site.

Now the organisers are waiting to hear the outcome of a National Lottery funding bid to help get the project off the ground.

The new development follows the closure of Robert's House as a sheltered accommodation facility, last month.

Project manager Gail Shackley said: "The vacated building is in a good location for developing as the South Ribble Foyer project, an innovative project for the borough's young people.

"It will provide affordable quality accommodation with training and job search skills and residents will be supported as they work towards an action plan intended to utilise and equip them for independent living and working in the future."

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