A LIFELINE has been thrown to Street Angels — the group which patrols Bolton at the weekend — after volunteers faced losing their base.

The group had to leave its Churchgate home — the former Originals clothes store — this week to make way for another business.

Now Bank Street Unitarian Chapel has stepped in to offer volunteers a temporary base.

Stephen Lingwood, minister at Bank Street Unitarian Chapel, said: “Street Angels began here five years ago and we have always strongly supported the project as part of our mission of engaging with the world.

“Our street is most busy on weekend nights and we think it's really important to serve those in need on our street.

“The chapel is not the most ideal location for Street Angels but until they find a more permanent base we are more than happy and proud for the Angels to come home to where it all began.”

The group had been in its Churchgate base for less than six months after relocating from Bradshawgate to allow student flats to be built.

Adrienne Tonge, from Bolton Street Angels, told The Bolton News a more permanent base was necessary as people who are familiar with the service may not know where to find help.

A permanent base is still being sought.

Street Angels is hoping for a hub close to the town centre’s nightlife particularly around Bradshawgate, Churchgate, the Bank Street end of Deansgate or Nelson Square.

Volunteers give up Saturday evenings to help vulnerable revellers in Bolton town centre. The group was launched in 2009 and has seen about 30 people give up 15,000 hours in the past year.

Anyone who knows of a suitable new location for Street Angels is asked to call Mrs Tonge on 07538 349686 or e-mail boltonstreetangels@yahoo.com.

The group would need to use the venue between 9.30pm on Saturdays and 4am on Sundays.