Don't give tramp food or money

Bridgnorth residents are being urged not to offer money or food to a tramp who is wandering the town, police said today. Constable Ram Aston says pointing him in the right direction of a hostel would be the best thing for residents to do in order to get him off the streets.

He said police believed the man was staying in the Bridgnorth area because people were providing him with provisions.

"We believe he is only hanging around Bridgnorth because people are giving him food and money," he said. "We would prefer it if he was pointed in the direction of a hostel."

Police think the man is living somewhere between Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock as he is frequently spotted walking along the A458.

Constable Aston added: "If anyone has any problems I would urge them to call me." People can call Bridgnorth police on 08457 444888. A shelter for the homeless in Shrewsbury was forced to close last year after the Government withdrew its funding.

The shelter, run by the Shrewsbury Christian Centre Association, closed in the summer and the town's MP Daniel Kawczynski has called for help to establish a new facility.

He said: "I'm very keen to ensure the shelter is re-established because there were people who relied on that service.

"It wasn't just somewhere to stay the night, it provided an entire network of support. There is certainly a need for it," he added.

Bosses at the charity have written to the Government to complain about the funding freeze.

The funding was withdrawn after inspectors claimed the charity could not meet the administrative requirements to run the shelter.