CHARITIES and community groups have teamed up with Basildon Council to tackle the problem of homeless people sleeping on the streets of Basildon.

Nine homeless people were given temporary accommodation by Basildon Council last winter and a conference was held to discuss how to reduce the number of rough sleepers in the borough.

Among the ideas discussed during the event, held at Wat Tyler Country Park, were setting up a database to collate how many homeless people are sleeping on the streets and looking into how people can continue to be supported once they have found homes.

The council, Open Road drug and alcohol support service, Mind mental health charity, Family Mosaic, Swan Housing and the Community Resource Centre were among those in attendance.

Mo Slade, Basildon Council’s manager of housing choice, said: “I’m delighted the council and partner agencies had this opportunity to come together and have a positive impact on the lives of those who, not only need a roof over their heads, but support to sustain their tenancies once they have found accommodation.”

Don Morris, Tory councillor for Wickford Park, said: “It is important that both statutory and voluntary agencies work together to compliment each others services and achieve results to prevent people having to sleep on the streets.

“In the current economic climate, it is important that any available funds are used to the maximum effect.”