Housing Minister Yvette Cooper officially opened the refurbished Simon House hostel for homeless people. She praised the work of Simon House and the quality of the project, and said it shows how government investment coupled with dedicated local effort can make a real difference in people's lives.

The hostel has been transformed, providing increased capacity of 52 rooms, including 41 with ensuite bathrooms and others meeting special needs.  There is a purpose-bulit kitchen and dining area, a construction training workshop, interview rooms, a computer room and library and a communal lounge.  The reception area has been made much lighter and more welcoming.

The refurbishment has been designed both to improve standards of accommodation and amenity for residents and staff, and to help more people move on to independent living, including access to training, education and work experience.

The Government's Hostel programme provided £1.2 million, plus £115,000 for the new training workshop.  Dominion Housing also made a substantial contribution.

After the official opening, local MP Andrew Smith went round the hostel with local Councillors Bob Price and Ed Turner.  Andrew said: "This is a very welcome and much needed facility, which really can help people who would otherwise be destitute turn their lives around.  The staff and volunteers at Simon House do a marvellous job.

"It was good to meet with residents and have the chance to listen to their experiences, and how the support of a centre like this can make all the difference.  As well as the hostel, it is crucial too to have move-on housing which people can go to when they are ready to take the next steps from Simon House."