New city flats for young people

A new development of 25 flats offering emergency accommodation for young people has opened in Bristol.

St George's House in the city centre has undergone a £1.6m redevelopment.

"Whenever possible we try to avoid using bed and breakfasts as emergency accommodation for young people," said city councillor John Kiely.

"The city centre location makes it ideal so we decided to create a young person's facility." The flats are for homeless and 'at risk' young people.

"Staff are on site 24 hours and there is a communal reception, foyer area and project room," said councillor Kiely.

Dom Wood, Director of Priority Youth Housing, said: "Bristol has had no dedicated, supported, emergency accommodation since 2001 and this has been a high priority... for the city.

"It is fantastic to see this project up and running and it will prove to be a benefit for many young homeless people and the community."