A FORMER Burnley infant school could be used by a homeless charity as a workshop and training centre.

Emmaus want to convert the former St John’s Infants School, in Ivy Street, into the centre as part of their scheme to give homeless people the chance to rebuild their lives.

The national charity offer people without a home accommodation, training and work in a managed and supportive environment.

The application is expected to be approved by councillors at the development control committee meeting on Thursday.

Cathy Ryder, head of planning and environment for the council, said in a report to councillors: “The [Emmaus] communities aim to become financially self-supporting through recycling and refurbishing donated furniture, which is then sold in the community’s shop.

“In return for working the participants receive accommodation, food, clothing and a weekly allowance, and this enables people to move on from dependency to supporting themselves and integration back into society.”

The refurbishment of the school would provide the training and work element of the project while the participants will be housed in sheltered accommodation at Booth Court.

Emmaus is a national charity which has 19 ‘communities’ around the country, of which one is in Burnley, which is supported by former MP Peter Pike.

Burnley’s scheme was started last year and they were awarded a £430,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund in May.

The report said: “Emmaus have been active in the community to explain the proposal to residents and to encourage their input.

“Feedback has been very positive and Emmaus aim to liaise closely with the community.”

Under the plans the workshop and shop would be open from 9.30am and 4pm Tuesday to Saturday