ARTIST’S impressions have been unveiled for a new centre pledging to help tackle homelessness, unemployment and to support struggling businesses.

Preston-based Recycling Lives has submitted a planning bid for a purpose-built recycling centre in Accrington which will also provide homeless acommodation and a job training centre.

The Charter Street centre would also offer support for small, start up or struggling businesses with mentoring and low-cost office space as part of ‘social responsibility’.

The commercial recycler and social welfare charity also plans to include a community cafe, crèche, business incubators and community access to college courses and skills training.

Plans would also see 20 en-suite bedrooms for on-site residents who will be offered educational courses, job placements and training.

Bosses at the charity said their Preston-based centre had seen ‘100 per ‘ of those completing their programme go on to achieve full time employment and independent living.

Recycling Lives Acting Chief Executive, Kevin Williams, said: “Recycling Lives offers great opportunities to members of society who want to turn their lives around.

We have seen in our first year of operation in Preston that people just need a chance to break the welfare cycle and regain their independence.

“Our commercial activities will also enable us to create job opportunities for the people of Hyndburn which will have a positive effect on the local economy.

"We had a very positive response at our recent consultation event, with everyone who attended supporting the concept.”

The firm, which last month won the Queen's Award for Enterprise, recycles a variety of waste materials from scrap metal, cardboard, printer cartridges and old mobile phones, as well as old furniture and electrical goods.

Details for the proposal have been submitted to Hyndburn Council which will make a decision on the planning application.

For more information about Recycling Lives log on to www.RecyclingLives.com.