A charity has condemned Basildon Council's controversial decision to offer a homeless teenager temporary housing in Southend.
Stephen Payn, 16, was staying with his girlfriend's parents until earlier this month.
However, Basildon Council paid his train fare to Southend so he could stay at the rundown Palace Hotel, where Stephen claims he was offered drugs.
The desperate youngster was so afraid he has been sleeping rough at Basildon police station.
Homeless charity Crisis said: "From our experience a 16-year-old is incredibly vulnerable.
"While the council may have done their duty in terms of what it is legally obliged to do, putting someone that young and vulnerable in emergency bed and breakfast, for even a short period of time, could be a very depressing, frightening experience."
However, Tony Ball, executive Basildon councillor for housing, defended the decision.
He said: "Stephen has been offered a roof over his head and bed and breakfast. That is all we can do at the moment."
Published Thursday January 15, 2004
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