A FORMER park lodge in Bury could become a hub for people with learning disabilities.

The building, within Manchester Road Park, is currently empty and Bury Council bosses want to refit it so it can be used to help people with special needs learn the skills they need if they are to live independently.

They have applied for a change of use to the town hall's planning department.

The application documents say: "The building is unused, in a poor condition and is routinely subjected to vandalism and trespass.

"The works will fully refurbish the internal areas.

"It would allow people with learning disabilities to obtain the necessary life and domestic skills needed to manage a property.

"We have identified young people currently in residential college setting to support their learning disabilities, autism and challenging behaviour and this building will support them.

"The ground floor will house the training facilities and the first floor will be used for offices for staff, who will manage the building and support the customers."

The council is aiming to reach a decision by July 15.