A RESIDENTIAL centre supporting drug and alcohol addicts is opening in Kenilworth.
Dalehouse Farm off Dalehouse Lane has stood empty after being sold to HS2. The line is set to pass close by the farm.
But Christian charity Betel of Britain is leasing the grade II listed building to run as a residential training centre.
The charity – which has six other similar centres across the UK – supports those affected by issues causing the likes of homelessness and long-term unemployment, including drug and alcohol abuse,
Up to 40 people will live and receive treatment free of charge at the centre for up to 18 months.
While at the rehabilitation centre people will learn business skills which will be their ‘payment’ for care.
A Betel spokeswoman said: “Residents will be taught basic life skills such as cleaning, cooking and personal hygiene but also work and vocational skills to assist future employment.
“Residents will also take part in Betel businesses which, as a by-product, help to cover the costs of their stay in the centre.”
One of the businesses is the Rising Cafe at Coventry Cathedral, which is run by those stopping in the centres. Proceeds from the cafe go to funding the charity.
Other examples include landscape gardening services, furniture restoration and house clearances.
Stoneleigh and Ashow Parish Council supported the application for the charity to open a centre at Dalehouse Farm.
Coun Trevor Wright and Pam Redford said in a joint statement: “Betel have a very good reputation of providing support for those who need it.
“In our view it is exactly the kind of positive support needed today, and we welcome it to our area.
“We have also looked in to any potential concerns that may arise from residents about this type of establishment and its location and we believe that it will not be detrimental to the area and will in fact protect the property and area from any derogation which would result if the property remained empty as it is currently.”
