TUNBRIDGE Wells's only homeless shelter is facing a fight for survival after being evicted by the council.

For the past 24 years the Soup Bowl has offered an hour's refuge each day for the town's most poverty-stricken people.

But this week the 40 volunteers and 20 visitors at the Crescent Road base were given until March 31 to find a new home – or fold.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council served the formal notice after a string of reported disturbances dating back to last summer.

Residents living nearby have also complained about groups gathering outside before opening times to smoke.

The council's action stunned those who rely on the Soup Bowl.

Recovering alcoholic Justin Kerr, 39, who has been using the shelter for the past five months, said: "It's a lifeline.

"If it shuts, people are likely to die, or resort to shoplifting.

"The soup cafe will become the police station."

The council – which owns the building – said police had been repeatedly called to the premises and that disturbances had spilled outside.

Property cabinet member David Jukes said the decision to evict was not taken lightly, adding: "Voluntary groups make an important contribution to the borough. Nevertheless, the council has a duty to ensure the safety of those who use council properties and to prevent others being intimidated by the actions of users."

Volunteer David Warren, 33, said he owed his life to the Soup Bowl, which offers soup and sandwiches between 4.30 and 5.30pm every day.

Fifteen years ago he was made homeless after his parents were taken ill and evicted from their council house.

"If it wasn't for the Soup Bowl, I wouldn't be here," he told the Courier. "They helped me get back on my feet when I had nowhere to go."

Mr Warren used to eat at the centre, a modest room unnoticed by many passers-by, before turning volunteer.

He feared the consequences of it closing would be felt across the whole of town.

He said: "The council aren't doing themselves a favour – they're making the problem ten times worse.

"The nearest soup hall is in Brighton. There will be more begging and shoplifting."

In the evenings, the volunteers take to the Crescent Road car park to provide food and drink, and on the occasions when they do not, they provide takeaway packages.

Yvonne Pursey, who has been running the Soup Bowl for 20 years, said: "It would be extremely sad if we had to close. The homeless problem is getting worse, not better. Where would everyone go?"

Deputy manager Tess Negri will meet with representatives from churches across Tunbridge Wells on Monday to try to come up with a solution.

Several churches in the town have helped support the Soup Bowl since it opened in 1988.

Father Peter Stodart, parish priest of St Augustine's, near the shelter, said: "It's very important we keep some sort of service.

"The shelter provides a valuable service for homeless and other disadvantaged people."

Anyone who can help in finding new premises should contact Fr Stodart on 01892 522525.