ANOTHER £300,000 in Government funding has been secured to help end rough sleeping in Colchester.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has awarded Colchester Council £296,144 from the latest round of the Rough Sleeper Initiative Fund.

The authority will use the cash to continue a number of projects which were launched using further Government funding last year.

Adam Fox, councillor responsible for housing, said: "We are extremely pleased to have secured this additional funding, which will continue our work to address rough sleeping in the borough.

“The council, with the assistance of Colchester Borough Homes and a range of local support and accommodation providers, already delivers several projects that are helping to make a real difference to the lives of rough sleepers and vulnerable people at risk of homelessness."

The latest funding was secured as a result of the success of schemes like assertive street outreach, the Severe Weather Emergency Provision and the newly appointed Early Response Rough Sleeper Co-ordinator, all of which were created last year.

In total, the council and Colchester Borough Homes have secured more than £900,000 to combat rough sleeping and improve access to secure housing.

Mr Fox said: “The reasons why people find themselves in a vulnerable position on the streets are extremely complex.

"We believe people should be treated as individuals and have the opportunity to access a package of support from appropriate agencies.

“Everyone has a role to play in tackling rough sleeping.

"With public support, we can improve lives and make a Better Colchester for everybody.

"If you see a rough sleeper and are concerned for their welfare, please report them directly to support services who can help them via Street Link.”

Tendring Council has also been awarded more than £72,000 to help tackle homelessness in the district.

It will use its allocation to work with agencies in support of the homelessness strategy, a draft of which is out for consultation.

Paul Honeywood, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “Whilst the number of people sleeping rough in Tendring is low, we want to intervene more quickly and, more importantly, do more to prevent it in the first place.”

If you see someone sleeping rough you can report their whereabouts via the Street Link app, available at streetlink.org.uk, or by calling 0300 500 0914.