Learners get a lift from fund (From Warrington Guardian)

Learners get a lift from fund

DISABLED learners in Longford will be given better access when extensive works to create a lift at a local centre are completed later this year.

The Longford Services Centre on the corner of Northway and Sandy Lane, will fund the extensive works programme with a £35,000 grant from the Landfill Tax credits of the Waste Recycling Group Limited.

The cash is administered and distributed by environmental body WREN and will be used to install a disabled lift at the side of the building as well as structural alterations to widen doors and walls.

The contract will go out to tender in the next fortnight and work is expected to begin during the summer holidays when the computer room upstairs, used by adult learners from the nearby Collegiate, will be vacant.

Roy Humphreys, chairman of Longford Residents' Association, said: "It's been a slow process getting the cash, around 18 months in all, from submitting our application to getting confirmation that we'd been successful.

"The work will make a big difference to the centre and the people who use it. It's not just the disabled who will benefit but anyone who has problems using the stairs, especially the elderly or infirm."

The grants made under the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme look to improve community life by enhancing existing facilities as well as providing new ones, including play areas and village halls. In addition historic and religious buildings can also receive funding for restoration work.

Richard Smith, project manager for Warrington WREN, said: "This project will provide a terrific community benefit. We are looking to fund projects similar to these in 2005 and welcome any enquiries from organisations.

"We would encourage any organisations looking for funding to contact WREN and find out more about how the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme can help."

Organisations and community groups requiring funding for projects should visit www.wren.org.uk or contact WREN on 01953 717165.