ESTATE tenants say a "filthy" trailer that County Hall gave them as a makeshift community centre was an insult to them.

The residents' association at Bolton Avenue, Huncoat, say they cannot afford to pay for the renovation work needed to bring the 40-foot unit up to scratch and are appealing for help.

The residents received the Stepping Stones trailer in June from Lancashire County Council but when it arrived they found it was covered in graffiti and needed a complete refurbishment.

They wanted the trailer to house groups such as youth clubs, an education support centre and citizen's advice office.

Youth and Community Services gave them £160, which paid for the cost of applying for planning permission, and local businesses and residents helped with donations amounting to £227. But £500 is needed just to clear the land in Bolton Avenue where the trailer will be placed.

Resident Mavis Dacosta said: "We feel that because it's Huncoat we've just been given second best.

"When it arrived it was dilapidated and filthy. We spent three hours trying to clean it.

"It really was disgusting. We cleared seven bags of rubbish.

"We are trying our best to get things up and running but our hands seem tied because of a lack of funds.

"We need more people from the region to come and help us. Huncoat is desperately in need of a community centre."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "The trailer used to be a mobile library and was then used for rural youth work, but it has been in storage for some time.

"It was always clearly stated that there was no money available from the county council."

Anyone who can help should contact the association on 398715, or Gillian McDonald on 389211 or Susan Gradwell on 395818.

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