Plan for £1.8m flats for homeless in Carlisle approved

A £1.8m plan for a new centre for homeless women and children has been approved by councillors in Carlisle.

The complex of up to eight flats in Water Street will replace the run-down Homeless Families Hostel in London Road.

The project will also include off-street parking, garden areas, play equipment and fencing.

It is hoped the site, which will also provide emergency beds for those sleeping rough, will open in 2012.

Olwyn Luckley, Carlisle Council's executive member for communities, said: "I'm glad we can now get on with what is a very needed facility in the city.

"We did a comprehensive public consultation that included the people who presently use the accommodation and the professionals involved, all of whom showed real support."