AN £850,000 development to provide supported housing for young people that recently got the go-ahead from city planners has a new face to help it to fruition.

Chas Townley has been appointed to lead the St John Kemble Housing Association's project for 16-to-25-year-olds at the former YMCA premises in Whitecross Road.

The scheme involves creating 12 bed-sit flats and demolishing a neighbouring property to make way for five rented family homes, one of which will be occupied by a project worker.

Training

Chas said: "All the young people in the supported scheme will have individual training programmes drawn up for them, in partnership with Herefordshire Council and the Enabling Group for Young People, to give them the skills and qualifications they need for employment and adult life."

Building work should be completed by the autumn. The scheme will be linked to another supported housing project in Leominster. It will include an outreach worker for surrounding and remote rural areas.