The chance to start a new life could be in the pipeline with the Emmaus project, which aims to give homeless people a base for new skills, job opportunities and to play a role in the community.

If plans are approved, the project would be housed at Burnley Lane Baptist Church in Colne Road, which would be converted to provide rooms for two dozen homeless people.

An outline planning application has been lodged with Burnley Council and leaflets explaining the scheme will be delivered to neighbours soon.

The scheme would provide a place to help people get back on their feet and learn new skills, in a community and family environment. Household and community jobs would be carried out, such as cooking, cleaning and gardening, and employment would include residents learning how to recycle and repair unused or discarded furniture for needy families.

Currently overseen by the chairman of Burnley Emmaus, former Burnley MP Peter Pike, and vice-chairman the Rev. Laurence Laycock, area Dean for Burnley, the project could cost up to £2m., coming through local, national and international charities, funding and grants.

People in the centre would not be allowed alcohol or drugs on the premises, and would be asked to give up all benefits aside from housing benefits, which would be used to pay for their room. The length of time people stay there is flexible, and can be a few weeks or permanently.

Every resident would have their own room with an en-suite bathroom, and there would be a communal eating area and garden.

Mr Laycock said: "People coming to live here would be learning skills, and some will move on but others may want to stay and carry on helping out with the community from here.

"Everyone here will be responsible for maintaining the centre and working in it. We want to ensure everyone in need who is offered a place can get help. We are giving people a helping hand, not a handout."

Mr Pike added that no planning permission had yet been granted, but Burnley Emmaus were positive about the scheme. He said: "These projects are not like homeless shelters. They encourage people to give something back, learn skills and begin to take full part in the community again."

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