A HOMELESS shelter in a town centre will continue to be run by a council for a second year running.

Ribble Valley Council will continue to use the Joiners Arms, on Whalley Road, as the borough’s main temporary accommodation after the decision was approved by councillors at yesterday’s health and housing committee meeting.

Council bosses reached the decision to maintain the shelter following concerns that new and more ‘onerous’ homeless legislation, which will be introduced from April 2018, will create an increased demand for temporary accommodation in the borough.

The council took over the shelter last year after the housing association Ribble Valley Homes were no longer able to manage the building.

Over the past 12 months the maintenance of the building has proved to be more costly than predicted by the council because of the fire protection measures they have had to take in light of the Grenfell fire tragedy.

The indoor lodging, which is estimated to cost thousands of pounds to maintain this year, comprises of seven flats, four self contained and three share bathroom facilities with shared communal area and laundry room in the basement.

More than 30 households have stayed in the shelter in the past 12 months since Ribble Valley Council have managed the scheme, with an average stay of 20 weeks for each household.

An on-site warden, who works 20 hours a week, has also been employed by the council and oversees the day to day management of the accommodation.

Cllr Stella Brunskill, who represents Mellor, said: “I visited this unit a couple of months ago and observed what was going on there.

“There were a lot of young mothers with families there.

“The feeling I got was we are picking up for the lack of social services and that was very evident.

“Unfortunately we will have to put with something like this even in our modern lifestyle.”

Cllr Robert Thompson, who represents Wiswell, said: “It’s a very well used facility and, even in the Ribble Valley, an essential facility but we should be proud of it.

“When I first joined the council we used caravans so we have moved on from that.

“Any money spent on improvements is essential.”

to maintain the first class facility.”

Cllr Richard Newmark, who represents Sabden, said: “It’s very important the improvements have been made and refurbished for the residents and I would continue to support it at all costs.”