COLCHESTER Council has given almost £90,000 in grants to support homelessness organisations.

Open Road was awarded £8,670 while the April centre was given £40,239.

The Youth Enquiry Service was given the biggest grant of £40,987.

The cash will be used to help the groups continue their current work in preventing people from becoming homeless, and supporting those who are without shelter.

Councillor Tim Young, responsible for housing and community safety, said: “We work very closely with these organisations and I am thrilled we can continue to support them deliver the very vital services they offer to people in Colchester in times of need.

“We are facing very challenging times when it comes to housing and are committed to supporting and signposting people to avoid homelessness.”

Read more in the Gazette.