Council reps get DIY SOS sneak preview

Published Monday 30 September 2019 at 14:38

Blackburn with Darwen Council representatives were amongst the first to see Nightsafe’s new accommodation after renovation work onsite by DIY SOS’s Big Build.

Council Leader Mohammed Khan, Chief Executive Denise Park and Mayor Cllr Jim Shorrock were invited to tour the facilities at St Silas Church Hall shortly after work was completed.

The renovation work to transform the old church hall into accommodation and a support centre for homeless and vulnerably housed young people was undertaken by building experts ­along with hundreds of volunteers, including many Council staff, and the DIY SOS and BBC Children in Need team.

The trio were joined on the tour by other local community representatives and volunteers.

They all caught a sneak preview of the six single bedrooms, communal kitchen and living area that have been created and will be revealed to the public when the DIY SOS Big Build show is broadcast in November.

Cllr Khan said:

I couldn’t believe it when I came inside. I used to come into this hall quite often for meetings and the work that’s been done in two weeks is unbelievable. The accommodation and centre is outstanding. I really salute everyone, the volunteers and the wonderful people who’ve done such a great job.

I think the young people will feel safe here, they’ll fully train about cooking and finance and how to get on with their lives and I think that is wonderful.

The community response has been fantastic. I came four times during the course of the build and I’ve seen so many people here from all parts of the borough working hard and doing a great job. The tradespeople from all over, including from the Council, have played a huge part. The response has shown that this borough is outstanding when it comes to volunteering and helping other people.

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