A MAJOR boost has been received for a pioneering project which is set to offer fresh hope to the homeless across Burnley and Padiham.

Supporters of Emmaus Burnley are celebrating after it was confirmed that the Big Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund has allocated £435,000 to their fledgling initiative.

Work is set to start on convert-ing the former sheltered complex in Booth Court, off Colne Road, Daneshouse, as the Emmaus headquarters for the borough.

But the additional funding will enable the scheme, which offers long-term support, accommodation and training to people with housing difficulties, to recruit a community leader and two deputies.

Peter Pike, the former Burnley MP and Emmaus Burnley chairman, said the Big Lottery grant would assist with the trio’s training costs and marked another milestone for the venture. He said: “The aim is to have Emmaus Burnley open for our first companions around September or October this year.

“The tender process for the first phase of conversion works at Emmaus House, the former Booth Court, will take place next month with work to start in June.”

Plans are also being progressed to purchase the St John’s Ivy Street school site and Mr Pike has been giving talks to the congregation about the project's aims.

Mr Pike said: “We had a very good response with many wishing to become volunteers to help with our project.

“We still need to raise more capital to enable us to undertake the second phase of work at Emmaus House and complete the purchase and work needed at Ivy St.”

The former MP is also spearheading attempts to secure a charity shop site for Emmaus Burnley, to provide an ongoing funding source for their efforts.