TRADESMEN are working around the clock to get two former homes for the elderly ready to house Kosovar refugees.

Painters, decorators, plumbers, joiners and electricians are working flat out at the Laneside Home on Shorrock Lane, Mill Hill, and Shadsworth House on Dunoon Drive for when the victims of the war in the Yugoslavian province arrive in Blackburn next week.

The two homes were closed by the council in February and much equipment taken away.

But when the Government asked the council if it could accommodate refugees, council chiefs immediately thought the two homes would be ideal. The Government is paying for all the work.

Alan Haythornthwaite, of Ian Mason's Decorators, is one of the men working busily in Laneside House giving it a fresh lick of paint and a brighter look inside.

He said: "A lot of the lads here are working very long hours and all over the weekend, but it's all for a worthwhile cause.

Shaun Keough, a joiner, said: "We've been working until 10pm most nights and there is still a lot to do to get things ready on time."

Electrician Paul Swan added: "The job has been to change the light fittings and put in some extra sockets. I'm here all over the weekend."

Many of the changes being made to the home are necessary because Laneside will now be accommodating children. Kosovar Albanians believe, as part of their religion, that they should bathe in running water so extra shower units have been provided.

Stairs have been fitted with extra rails and barriers for safety.

Wayne Topping, of Guardhall Services, had thought his job would just be to take care of the empty building when he was hired by the council after the home was closed.

He said: "I could never have imagined I would be here involved in an operation to make the place ready for refugees."

The Women's Royal Voluntary Service is going to be co-ordinating many of the pledges of support the council has received from the people of the area who want to be involved in helping the refugees.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader and Mill Hill councillor Malcolm Doherty said: "Lots of the local people have offered their support, and we are grateful for that. We will be needing that at some point."

A list of potential volunteers is now being compiled by the Volunteer Bureau at the Council for Voluntary Service.

Potential volunteers should contact Kate Hodge on 01254 694113.

Meanwhile the leader of Lancashire County Council, Coun John West, has thanked the people of East Lancashire for their donations to the authority's refugee appeal.

The council has received dozens of prams, pushchairs, toys, clothes and other goods and has now brought its appeal to an end.

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