A Bradford charity has started a housing scheme to help vulnerable young people get a decent start in life.

Purbeck Court in Holme Wood, Bradford, was previously earmarked for demolition.

Now, thanks to Impact Community Developments, the site will be transformed into 18 modern, fully-furnished flats providing accommodation for up to 30 young adults.

The renovated flats, due to be finished in December, will house people aged between 16 and 25 who are homeless or soon to be homeless. The flats will have central heating, CCTV and 24-hour safety support workers.

The support workers will have tailored plans to meet the specific emotional needs of the young people.

Impact Community Developments has been providing supported accommodation for ten years.

Nigel Delaney, its chief executive officer, said during the past year it had been looking at how it can help the most vulnerable members of society.

He said: "It's not just bricks and mortar that young people need, they need more support. We provide a holistic approach to housing provision, with health support workers who give young people action plans for themselves."

The Reverend Canon Gordon Dey, of Tong and Holme Wood parish, has been involved with various community and youth projects.

When he saw the flats had become derelict and vandalised, he started looking at ways to get them renovated. He spoke to Bradford Community Housing Trust which put him in touch with Impact Community Developments. Mr Dey said: "I talked to Nigel and thought Impact had the expertise and we had the local knowledge.

"It will be an exciting resource in the area. The biggest benefit will be enabling young people to make the transition from living in supported homes to living on their own."

Andy Sykes, community youth worker at St Christopher's Church, Holme Wood, said: "Young people have various problems, such as exclusion from education or family problems. If they are given another chance, another way in, these people could succeed." Sir David Sieff, former chairman of Marks & Spencer, celebrated the start of building work by planting a tree and presenting Mr Delaney with the Sieff Award, which recognises individuals who collaborate with business to benefit the community.

Sir David said: "I think it's fantastic. I hope that, through Impact, many more young adults will be inspired to live in a safe, healthy, enterprising environment."

e-mail: ali.davies@bradford.newsquest.co.uk