ARTISTS in Preston have welcomed plans for a modern new facility which could help them make a living from their craft.

Lottery cash is being sought for an ambitious £100,000 project which would house units for craftspeople to use, at low rents.

The centre would house 100 workshops for all creators from painters to sculptors, and it would include disabled access.

Graduate Julie Turnbull, who studied design at the University of Central Lancashire, says the centre could be the answer to her prayers.

The 23-year-old has high hopes of opening a glass sculpting business, but lack of funds have so far stood in the way.

She said: "It's so frustrating not being able to find a low-priced base to work from. There are so many talented people out there who can't find anywhere to go or can't afford the current rents being charged by studios, and it's a waste."

The move was also welcomed by another art group which is waiting for the results of a lottery feasibility study for a similar resource centre.

Michael Lockwood of the Preston Arts Association said: "We need to ask questions as to why there's nothing like this in Preston. A move like this by anyone is excellent for artists in the town.".

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