A TEENAGER fears he faces a second winter on the streets, but says he is more disappointed than angry with the council for failing to find him a home.

Kyle Harris has been "sofa-surfing" for eight months, during which time he has repeatedly asked Shepway District Council for help. But last Wednesday, he found himself with nowhere to stay that night.

The 18-year-old said: "When it was snowing last winter, I was sleeping in a barn, with only the clothes on my back – I don't want to be homeless again.

"I've been to the council 20 or 30 times, telling them I've got nowhere to go, but they say I'm not a priority. I've taken the advice they've given me and got nowhere, but they just tell me to keep trying.

"People from abroad seem to get places to live. But if a vulnerable 18-year-old can't get a home in the town where he's always lived, what does that say about this country?"

The former Folkestone Academy pupil is due to start work at Sports Direct when record of his National Insurance number is delivered.

He said: "Being homeless before changed me. I realised no one was going to help me.

"I bucked my ideas up, got on the straight and narrow and found work. I'm looking forward to it, but how can I look presentable if I've got nowhere to have a shower?

"I am extremely angry, but I'm more disappointed with the council. I've always lived here, I'm going to be homeless and they say they can't help me."

When initially contacted, a council spokesman said: "We are aware of Mr Harris's situation. When he visited us on December 8 he was made aware that, due to his current living arrangements where he has his own room, he would be a non-priority."

Mr Harris disputed this assertion. Subsequently it emerged there may have been an administration confusion, and Mr Harris has been invited to return to the council to clear it up.