Graham Simpson, who came over to Morecambe on July 23 from the Isle of Man and has been sleeping rough in toilets near the Arndale, says he knows around 15 homeless people locally forced to sleep in doorways, bus shelters and alleys, because there is nowhere for them to stay either temporarily or permanently.

The nearest shelter for the homeless is in Preston, although West End Impact in Morecambe and Lancaster District Homeless Action provide meals and shelter during daytime hours.

Graham said: "I arrived here with nothing and I don't have any money. I am sleeping on the streets, and most recently, in toilets at the back of Tesco.

"I'm asthmatic so it doesn't do my health any good.

"I just want to highlight the plight of the homeless.

"In the Isle of Man I split up from my partner and she kept the house with the kids so I was on the streets.

"I'm in a desperate situation. The council only provides emergency housing for families. I've spoken to someone at Geraldine Smith's office and also at Signposts and they've both said there is nothing they can do.

"If we could get somewhere for the homeless I'm willing to step in on a voluntary basis.

"I'm just trying to voice the views of the homeless."

Tracy Kohl, manager at West End Impact, a registered charity and Christian organisation, said: "Every week we get homeless people coming in for meals.

"Recently we had a homeless family who were living in tents. It happens every week.

"There are people trying to help but the chances of getting anywhere for the homeless to stay in the area are very slim.

"A lot of the homeless are on drugs or have alcohol problems so its a very bad situation.

"It's a skill to deal with these people. It's the volunteers and funding which are needed.

"We can only give them a meal twice a week and point them in the right direction."

Lancaster District Homeless Action is a day-centre based in Edward Street in Lancaster which provides food, clothing, shower and laundry facilities for roofless people and those in housing poverty and supports them in finding accommodation.

LDHA also help set people up with furniture, bedding and pans. The service is provided by a small number of staff and many dedicated volunteers.

There is also an established team of workers providing floating support for people in housing need under the Government's new Supporting People programme.

The homeless are supported with their daily issues, which can be debt, addictions or everyday worries.

For 20 years LDHA have run a Christmas shelter, from Christmas Eve for five days and nights.

There is nothing else in the Lancaster district which consistently gives this care.

Lancaster District Homeless Action held a sponsored sleepout overnight on Lancaster Town Hall steps from 8pm on Sunday, August 26, to 7am on Monday, August 27.

Trustees, staff, volunteers and clients took part to raise funds for the centre and to raise awareness for homeless in the area.

Without the support of funding from Frances C Scott and the Lloyds TSB foundation – which has secured the future of the centre for the time being – the centre would be on the verge of closure, which it has been for the last two years.

A spokesperson from Lancaster City Council said: "Lancaster City Council is constantly striving to improve and raise awareness of the housing advice service.

"Concerted efforts are also being made to improve and increase housing options available to vulnerable clients, which include:

n Reduced use of B&B accommodation in compliance with DCLG guidelines

n Increased temporary housing provisions for vulnerable families

n Five safe houses for victims of domestic violence

n Increased drop-in advice services across the district to promote

partnership working and a community focused service.
n Part funded mediation service.

n Developed, implemented and funded 'spend to save' scheme – assisting clients to remain in their properties, resulting in sustainability.

n Publications to assist clients to access and understand the homeless service

n Devised a service directory of all services within the district for all clients

n Designated housing advice prevention officers who specifically deal with and implement prevention initiatives, thus reducing homelessness and creating sustainability.

n Promote floating support services to all vulnerable clients to assist them in dealing with all social issues.

n Accelerated housing benefit procedure – to fast track all HB claims and payments for landlords.

n Devised and signed up to various Service Level Agreements and joint protocols with other statutory agencies to tackle homeless issues. e.g. youth homelessness – joint working with Social Services, YMCA and LCC to address homelessness, which involves panel assessments and client action, plans.

"Similarly with Leaving Care, Ex-Offenders. Probation, HB:

n Prevention officers working with landlords and letting agents to develop private landlord inclusion scheme, which will increase housing provision throughout the district.

"Unfortunately, the closest direct access shelter is Preston, whereby, at present, there are no direct access shelters within the Lancaster district.

"There are two supported housing schemes within Lancaster and Morecambe – Foyer and 2A High St. Each scheme offers licensed temporary supported housing accommodation for young people.

"LCC has since secured funding to develop a further supported housing scheme, which will be managed by YMCA.

"The scheme will offer temporary supported accommodation for 16-25 year olds and it is proposed that the scheme will open late September 2007.

"The restructure of the housing advice team has made a significant impact of the overall service delivery, whereby the emphasis is now placed upon prevention, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of homeless applications.

"The service has produced an information pack which is given to all vulnerable homeless clients.

"The pack includes homeless publications and service options and a service directory that identifies all external housing options/ services."

n For more information about LDHA call 01524 842008, email admin@ldhas.org.uk or visit www.ldhas.org.uk

LDHA would welcome donations for their sponsored sleepout.

n For help from West End Impact drop in to their base at 12-14 Heysham Road. Or visit www.mcc.uk.com.

Local libraries have internet access for the public to use, provided they are a library member.