RISING numbers of rough sleepers have moulded the Bicester Salvation Army’s future ambitions as the charity marks 20 years of helping the community.

Since opening in the town in January 1996, the charity has been working with vulnerable people and supporting the homeless and those tackling addictions.

But it said the latest rough sleeper counts in Bicester and Banbury, released in November, showed there were 21 people sleeping rough on the streets – up from 14 the previous year.

The group is looking ahead to extending the hours of its homelessness drop-in to tackle the rising number of rough sleepers.

Co-church leader Will Pearson, who leads the team with his wife Debbie, said: “We are about serving the community, creating a community and particularly serving the poor or those working with issues to do with poverty.

“Our main focus is homelessness in Bicester.

“It is a problem that is being experienced everywhere, but although it is not a massive problem in Bicester, we are a smaller town and fairly rural, and there is not a lot of provision for homelessness.

“The main problems we find is lack of affordable housing in Bicester and being right next to Oxford pushed our house prices up.

“There are also no hostels in Bicester or Banbury, so for us the closest is Oxford.”

Bicester Salvation Army hosts a homelessness and addiction drop-in two days a week and is hoping to extend these hours.

It also has a community cafe and toddler group, which is also held twice a week with about 12 volunteers helping out.

Centre client Chris Rouse, 32, said: “It is excellent, I would not have been able to achieve what I have without them.”

The branch was founded in Hart Place, Glory Farm, back in 1996.

Mr Pearson added: “The Salvation Army is dedicated to caring for the local community but without your generosity we wouldn’t be here today.

“We were overwhelmed with the kindness of so many who went out of their way to make donations to us this Christmas and as a result we were able to serve a Christmas meal to 20 people experiencing homelessness and make sure each person had a present to open.

“Your gifts really did make a difference.”

To celebrate the anniversary the team held an event on Sunday, January 17, which brought together past and present volunteers.

Among those taking part in the reunion was former group leader Major Paula Knight, who as Lieutenant Paula Rampton opened the building 20 years ago.

The Salvation Army is always looking for volunteers.

If you are interested e-mail bicester@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 01869 369160.