Figures of those homeless in the Maldon district have risen by 15 per cent on last year.

The figure was given in a report to the community and leisure services committee showed 99 households were found eligible and unintentionally homeless.

''These figures are in relation to those in priority need for which the local authority has a statutory duty to find accommodation,'' said Sandy Philip, housing services team leader on Tuesday.

He added: ''In addition there are a considerable number of households who do not fall within the priority definition such as singles and couples without children.

''Maldon District Council, as the housing authority, does however have a duty to try and address their needs and it should be noted that during 1999, 690 households requested housing advice.''

Mr Philip believes the increase is particularly due to the upturn in the housing market.

He said: ''People who have had properties which they have let out have now been able to sell them and decided to terminate tenancies.''

Other reasons include parents no longer willing to accommodate offspring, mortgage arrears and breakdown of relationships.

Members also requested the Colne Housing Society purchase a property in Victoria Road, Maldon and lease it to MASH (Maldon Action for Single Homeless) to house single people nominated by the council.

Maldon may have to accommodate up to 280 asylum seekers, members were told. The Home Office has issued instructions requiring East Anglia to become involved. If necessary local authorities will be expected to take one refugee for every 200 head of population.

Within the Maldon district a hotel group which is specialising in accommodation for refugees has purchased a property which is currently being converted to accommodate 40.

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