A BLACKPOOL charity wants to set up a workers' co-operative to help former down-and-outs back into the community.

Christian-based Helping Hand is hoping for planning permission on Monday (October 18) to convert the former Ismail Tea warehouse in Cocker Street into a workshop.

They want to help the socially-excluded, long-term unemployed people - who may have had drug or alcohol problems - to learn a trade.

Helping Hand chairman, the Rev Ian McLean, said: "We've been concerned for some time about people with drug or alcohol problems in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, and have been working on a three-stage project over the last couple of years. "The workshop is planned as the second stage - the first was a mobile unit, a refurbished bus which goes out on the streets offering a befriending and counselling service.

"The workshop will try to create work and training opportunities for the socially-excluded through a workers' co-operative."

Possible trades include painting and decorating, catering equipment repairs, carpet-laying, mobile catering supplies and gardening.

The third stage of Helping Hand's project will be to set up a detoxification unit outside Blackpool.

The charity's board is made up of church representatives of all denominations across the Fylde, and funding is hoped to come from the churches as well as grant-aid, sponsorship and donations.

The upper floor of the workshop is likely to be let as a new church for the Blackpool Christian Fellowship.

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