New battle of Hastings

Homelessness has hit 'crisis point' say town's residents

- By Jennifer Pinto

BEHIND the pebbled shores of Hastings, a crisis is deepening, one locals say has turned their town into a place they barely recognise.

Residents of this once-proud seaside town on England's south coast claim homelessness has reached crisis point, with families crammed into temporary accommodation, vulnerable people sent to live miles away, and tents appearing on the seafront.

The reality of the East Sussex resort's problems hit you as soon as you step outside the train station.

Before you've even walked into town, a seven-storey office block looms into view, left derelict. Despite the empty space, next to it stands the Hastings Homeless Support Centre, where demand for help is high.

In the town centre, blankets and sleeping bags can be seen scattered along the streets.

Disgraceful

Gail Simms, who has lived in Hastings for about 50 years told how she regularly sees young people and families living on the streets — although the local council says it does not believe there are any families sleeping rough.

She said: "There is too much homelessness here. It's been like this for years, but the council don't seem to care. It's certainly got a lot worse. There's no support."