'Homes for heroes' plan for Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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'Homes for heroes' plan for Burnley
4:00pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News
A VETERANS charity and councillors are teaming up in a bid to kickstart a ‘homes for heroes’ scheme in the heart of Burnley.
Tony Hayes, chief executive of Veterans Association UK (VAUK), has been in discussions with Trinity ward councillors Howard Baker and Tony Martin over establishing the first half-dozen properties for the ambitious initiative in their ward. The councillors are approaching private landlords over a number of vacant properties in Albion Street, Grange Street and Pritchard Street about a link-up with VAUK.
Mr Hayes said: “We are hoping to start with a couple of veterans, who will live in the same house on a buddy system, and then go on from there.”
The charity recently moved from Kelbrook to International House, Springfield Road, Burnley.
And the organisation, which provides support for veterans of all ages coming out of the services, is looking to hit the ground running in its new base.
Plans are being advanced to create a distance learning centre at their new offices, which formerly housed Burnley College’s design school.
Coun Baker is also the council’s executive member for housing and regeneration.
Coun Martin said: “Hopefully this way the landlords will receive some income for these two-up two-down properties and the veterans can be rehomed.”
Ex-services people interested in finding out more about VAUK, or who would like to volunteer, call the new office 01282 219391.
Comments(5)
Major Tom
says...
11:37pm Thu 31 Jan 13
DaveBurnley
says...
9:50am Fri 1 Feb 13
2 for 5p wrote:It isn't obligatory for you to make a stupid comment every time you see an article.
They will be spoon feeding them next
This is a worthy cause, good for the councillors showing a positive interest.
Interocitor
says...
4:22pm Fri 1 Feb 13
burnleylass22
says...
10:11pm Mon 4 Feb 13
Major Tom wrote:I think youll find that soldiers leaving the service to get a great deal of help with rehoming already
It's time soldiers, and others who serve queen and country, where given priority housing over those who expect something for nothing. All that seems to happen in these times is an aim to gain benefits, get off your face, and push out a child or 12.
2 for 5p says...
6:43pm Thu 31 Jan 13