PLANS for a new collaboration will see the amount of housing made available for homeless people in Tynedale treble.

Hexham-based StopGap Supported Housing has agreed a lease with Karbon Homes to move into the former Links building on the town’s Haugh Lane, adding to the facilities the charity already provides at its Dean Street base.

Housing association Karbon has committed to significantly refurbish and reconfigure its existing building, which was previously let to the Links housing charity.

The new plans for the empty building will provide accommodation for 13 homeless adults, adding to the seven bedrooms it currently provides in the town.

Andrew Sanders, chief executive of StopGap, said: “We have been working with Karbon on this development for quite some time and its support has been fantastic.

“It was really keen to work with us on the planning of the reconfiguration to make sure the end result will allow the provision of a high quality homelessness service.

“Originally, the building offered accommodation to nine people in three shared flats.

“The new service will provide accommodation for 13 people with improve access and facilities to allow us to offer training, housing advice and other services to help people get back on their feet and move on to a home of their own.”

The expansion comes as StopGap Supported Housing celebrates its 20th anniversary.

“We are still very much needed,” said Mr Sanders.

“Homelessness in west Northumberland has very specific difficulties, particularly around the rural nature of the area and the perception that homelessness and deprivation are urban concerns and not issues that require addressing in a market town like Hexham.”

Karbon Homes said was delighted it was able to bring the building back into use for vulnerable adults.

The firm’s assistant director of asset management and regeneration, Anthony Bell, explained: “We are very pleased to be investing in this important building in Hexham, and to have reached an agreement with StopGap to significantly expand the service it offers.

“This building has unfortunately stood empty for a period of time now, and it’s good for all concerned to bring it back to life.

“We’ve committed to a significant reconfiguration of the building which will make it fit for purpose for many years to come.”