A SANCTUARY for the homeless is set to open in Southborough, providing short term accommodation for rough sleepers.

The direct access night shelter for west Kent's homeless could open by winter 2009 if plans by a group of Tunbridge Wells Christians are successful.

This year has seen mortgage repossessions in the town increase dramatically and a street worker has warned more families could find themselves without a roof over their heads.

The Wayfarer Project, a Christian voluntary organisation, has joined forces with St John's Methodist Church in Southborough to create the safe haven following a Kent and Sussex Courier special report revealing the homeless problem across west Kent.

This winter rough sleepers in Tunbridge Wells will only be offered temporary council accommodation if the Met Office predicts the temperature will drop below zero for three consecutive nights.

But the Vale Road church, having cancelled its redevelopment plans, has donated main building for the shelter.

For full story see this Friday's edition of the Kent and Sussex Courier.