Volunteers are being sought for an advisory council to ensure residents of a planned new shelter for the homeless get the best care possible.

Government unveiled plans earlier this month for the redevelopment of the dilapidated North Street Emergency Shelter which will house up to 100 people in need.

On Friday, Minister of Social Rehabilitation Dale Butler said he hopes that ground will be broken on the project in the Fall, and he wants to establish the council in advance of that.

It will have somewhere between five and eleven members, who will work with the professionals responsible for the day to day running of the facility.

"I don't yet know who will bid to run the shelter but the council will play a critical role in trying to ensure that best practice is followed.

"They will chair the campaign to get private support from companies who may wish to donate beds, and will work on entertainments and family relations," he explained.

Anyone interested in joining the council should contact Mr. Butler at ddbutler@gov.bm or on 505-3409 by August 8.

An official announcement about the launch of building work and the membership of the council is scheduled for September of this year.