AN Albanian family who have been living in a shed covered by plastic sheeting will soon have a proper roof over their heads, thanks to Wiltshire people.

Regional director of Patney-based International Community Assist Bashkim Bashllari has reported that the Halaj family are delighted with the progress on the breeze block and concrete house, despite bad weather interrupting work.

But whether the completion of the house will come in time for Caf Halaj, the father of the family, is in doubt. Mr Halaj, who has suffered from tuberculosis for some years as a result of appalling living conditions, has now developed an infection in his leg which has turned gangrenous.

David James, the founder and director of ICA, said: "The ICA's medical expert fears that, unless he receives urgent treatment, he will have to have the leg amputated."

Mr Halaj's wife Rushe and their children Arben, 13, Jesmine, nine, and seven-year-old Ramazan, also suffer health problems brought on by their living conditions.

Albania, which is still recovering from years of isolation under Communist despot Enver Hoxha and then a civil war during the 1990s, has no welfare state worthy of the name and, if the Halaj family lose their breadwinner, they will have no source of income.

Although aid from the European Union is given to Albania, it does not filter down to the areas, like Bajze where Caf and his family live, far from the capital Tirana.

So ICA supports the education of young Albanians, hoping that they will become the new generation of civil servants who will be able to administer the EU money more fairly.

The charity has set up a network of computer suites and internet cafes across the country for young people .

They also support the training of nurses and other health professionals.

The Halajs' new house is costing £8,000 to build, £4,000 of which is being contributed by the Bajze Commune and the rest by ICA through support from Wiltshire people.

The Halajs are just one of 300 cases brought to the attention of ICA and David James is hopeful that their new home will be the template for more such low-cost, self-help enterprises.

Mr James is due to speak on the work of ICA at St Michael and All Angels Church in Urchfont on March 16 as part of a series of Lent lectures organised by the Redhorn team ministry.

For more information, call (01380) 840990, email icauk@btopenworld.com or visit the website www.ica-uk.co.uk