Preston-based commercial recycler and social welfare charity Recycling Lives has submitted a planning application for a new centre in the heart of Accrington.

The new state-of-the-art centre will be situated in Charter Street, the town centre, if planning bosses give it the green light.

The centre which will build on the huge success of Recycling Lives Preston, housing a one stop shop for all commercial recycling and waste management services.

Also included will be a community cafe, crèche, business incubators and community access to college courses and skills training.

A winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, Recycling Lives offers opportunities to members of the community facing an uncertain future such as ex-armed forces personnel, the homeless, unemployed and the welfare dependant through accommodation, education, training and work experience. The ethos and goal of Recycling Lives is to help people get back on their feet, equipping them with the skills to be employable as well as move into independent accommodation.

This new centre will be larger than the Preston-based site, boasting 20 en-suite bedrooms for individuals who are looking for an opportunity to improve their lives.

The Preston-based centre has been so successful that 100 per cent of the individuals completing the Recycling Lives programme have gone on to achieve full time employment and independent living.

Recycling Lives Acting Chief Executive Kevin Williams said: “Recycling Lives offers great opportunities to members of society who want to turn their lives around. We have seen in our first year of operation in Preston that people just need a chance to break the welfare cycle and regain their independence.

“Our commercial activities will also enable us to create job opportunities for the people of Hyndburn which will have a positive effect on the local economy.

“We had a very positive response at our recent consultation event, with everyone who attended supporting the concept.”

Our co-editor paid a visit to Recycling Lives last month. You can read the feature here.