Homeless families in Colchester are spending less time in temporary accommodation than ever before.

Not one family has been housed in a bed and breakfast in the last three months, thanks to Colchester Council's drive to tackle the problem.

It has beaten Government targets to make sure homeless families spend no more than six weeks in bed and breakfasts.

When targets were set in April, families in Colchester were in bed and breakfasts for less than four weeks.

Housing advice team leader Peter McDonagh said: "One of the keys to keeping families out of B&B accommodation has been to offer more help to those who are threatened with homelessness, before it's too late."

Published Wednesday, February 9, 2005

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