UNANIMOUS backing has been given to plans to convert a former Barrow shop into a community hub offering facilities for homeless and vulnerable people.

Project John has been granted planning permission for a new central facility at the former site of Youngs furniture store in Cavendish Street, Barrow.

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The three-storey site will include a café run by homeless young people, training facilities and business offices.

It will provide additional areas for the likes of Citizens Advice and Barrow Dads Group to work from as well.

Project John was set up in 1993 to offer supported housing to 16 to 25-year-olds but needs additional space to its current Bath Street base to meet the needs of the people it helps.

The application went before members of Barrow Borough Council's planning committee on Tuesday who all voted in favour of the development and to change use of the building from retail to community hub.

Councillor Bill McEwan, member for Ormsgill, said: "These are young, vulnerable people who need this help to benefit for the future.

"It's a one stop shop of what's needed and it's much welcome for this area."

Cllr John Murphy, member for Newbarns, said: "I think it's something that the town needs.

"There was issues we are aware with the location in the town centre but I massively support it."

The site of Youngs has been vacant for more than 18 months and councillors were told there had been a "lack of interest" shown from other businesses in taking it over on a retail basis.

Harry Tonge, the agent acting on behalf of Project John, told councillors at the meeting: "Project John have been seeking new premises for a number of years.

"The hub needs to be located in a central location which is accessible by a variety of transport means.

"It will provide a single location for a number of services under one roof."

In the planning document, the Francis Scott Charitable Trust, which has supported Project John financially since they began, said: "Their plans for 20-24 Cavendish Street will enable the charity to take a significant step forwards in the range of services they are able to offer enabling future generations of local young people to benefit as a result."