AFTER six years in the pipeline the 'foyer' scheme - which aims to provide a home and advice for 16 to 25-year-olds in housing need - is taking shape in Andover.

The Winchester Road part of the scheme is expected to be ready by next March. At around the same time a former college building in Junction Road should also be re-opening its doors as an advice and drop-in centre.

Councillors and invited guests were given a sneak preview of the Winchester Road development where there are to be 18 studio flats for occupation by the target age group with another two earmarked for disabled people as well as a guest room. Rooms each have en-suite washing and toilet facilities and pair up for the use of a kitchen.

The borough council and the Housing Corporation have funded the project with grants totalling just over £1 million, but more funding is needed for the advice and drop-in centre. "We have already been successful in obtaining some charitable funding but hope we can also gain support from local businesses and other charities and trusts in raising the remaining £300,000 to complete this exciting project," said Mrs Marion Kerley, the council's executive member for social well-being. "We have the building and planning permission but we need to close this shortfall."

As well as the additional finance the council is looking for support from business in other ways. "We are looking for a number of things now that we have something on the ground," said head of housing, Brian Cowcher. "As well as financial support we hope to attract support in kind through a partnership with local firms able to offer employment and training."

With Andover suffering a labour and skills shortage those firms offering help would be in a good position to tap into a fresh source of employees.

The new facility has not enjoyed uncritical support and Mrs Kerley touched on this in her speech to the newly-established Test Valley Foyer Community Forum.

"Housing for young people can be seen as controversial and my fellow ward councillors and myself, although very supportive of the foyer scheme, had misgivings about the development of the scheme at the Winchester Road in Andover," she said. "However, I have every confidence in the high quality management, supervision and effective partnership working between the agencies involved in this project."