A RUN-down homeless shelter in Rossendale is set to undergo a massive £350,000 refurbishment.

The dilapidated Clare House in Queens Street, Rawtenstall, is being given a makeover to cope with the hundreds of homeless people aged 16 to 25 in Rossendale each year.

Funding for the work which includes installing kitchens, shower and toilet facilities into each of the units was secured from the Homes and Communities Agency.

As well as providing 14 self contained flats, a communal lounge and kitchen, ‘moving on’ flats providing help with budgeting, and other day to day tasks there will also be emergency accommodation.

The centre, owned by Rossendale Council but run by Lancashire County Council, is used as a temporary stop-gap as well as a more permanent solution for some teens.

More than 1,100 people are declare themselves homeless in Rossendale each year and at least 450 of them are aged under 25.

Rebecca Lawler, Rossendale Council’s Health and Housing Manager, said: “Clare House is a great facility that offers support and accommodation to young people under 25.

“The site has fallen into disrepair and the council has been lucky to secure funding for a refurbishment.

“The architect has come up with some really impressive plans that will bring the building back to life and make the residents enjoy spending time here.

“Young people can end up at Clare House for a variety of reasons including being kicked out by their parents because they can no longer claim child benefit for them.

“Homelessness amongst the young in Rossendale is a problem and the new emergency accommodation will help to offer them somewhere to go immediately after landing on the streets.”

Residents have been moved to Springfield Court, Bacup, while the work is carried out.