SOUTH Ribble's economy is to get a £1.5 million boost with the announcement of several new building projects by the area's largest housing groups.

One of the biggest contracts to be undertaken by Progress Housing Group is the new women's refuge, which will open in Leyland next year. It will, for the first time, provide a roof for women fleeing domestic violence in the borough. That scheme will cost £600,000 and will be managed by South Ribble Borough Council.

Other schemes being planned by the group include 10 flats in Dunkirk Lane, Leyland, costing more than £430,000, while the former cinema in East Street, Leyland, will be demolished later this year to make way for seven flats as part of a £350,000 scheme.

Away from Leyland, four flats are being built on the site of former lock-up garages in Sherburn Road, Penwortham, at a cost of £180,000.

All the schemes are being part-funded by a housing grant from South Ribble Borough Council, with the remaining finance coming for the two housing associations within the group - Progress Care and New Progress Housing Association.

Group director for Progress Housing Group, Gareth Jackson, says the developments will not only provide new homes for local people but also help boost the economy.

He said: "All these projects are needed by local people but they are also providing jobs and support for the local economy.

"We are a local business and one of our aims is to support the local community."

The announcement of the new projects follows weeks after Progress celebrated the completion of its 250th house in the South Ribble area.

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