A PIONEERING Bolton scheme for the homeless has been given a cash lifeline by the Government.

Housing Minister Hilary Armstrong has announced that the Bolton Bond Board will be awarded £39,573.

And Shirley Morris the organisation's administrator and fundraiser said this will secure its future for the next12 months.

She said: "It is very good news indeed."

The Bolton Bond Board is a "safety net" scheme to help single, homeless people.

The idea is that the organisation provides a bond or deposit so that young people can move into rented accommodation.

It has prevented hundreds of homeless people from having to sleep rough over the last four years.

Housing chiefs believe it has been a key reason why Bolton has never developed a "cardboard city" like others in the North-west.

The Bolton scheme is one of 21 North-west projects announced yesterday which will share £7.9 million.

In announcing the funding, Ms Armstrong said: "This Government is committed to helping vulnerable people and we support the valuable work done to prevent and relieve homelessness.

"Without this help, some people could find themselves facing a life on the street.

"The work funded under this grant programme is aimed at helping people to avoid this situation."

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