A HOMELESS man is calling for a shelter to be introduced in Crayford so that rough sleepers can spend the night in safety.

Paul Stringett, who gave his address as Bench Number Two, Shenstone Park, Crayford, says there is nowhere for homeless people to go in the area.

According to organisation Homeless London, there are no emergency hostels for homeless people in Bexley.

A total of 17 households in Gravesham and nine households in Dartford are registered as homeless by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Fifteen people were estimated to be sleeping rough in Dartford while eight people were estimated to be sleeping rough in Gravesend.

Mr Stringett, who also suffers from heart problems, said: "There’s nowhere for us to go.

"Other places have hostels but not here.

"I would like to see a little shelter where people who are homeless can lock themselves inside safely for the night.

"It would need to be cleaned, like a bus stop or public toilets, but it gives people an option."

The 58-year-old added: "The nearest shelter for me is in Gravesend and I would have to get a bus, which I can’t afford."

Gravesend’s House of Mercy in Edwin Street is for single homeless people over the age of 16, but is 13 miles away from Shenstone Park.

Mr Stringett’s life changed dramatically when he became homeless two years ago after his marriage fell apart.

He used to live in a three bedroom terraced house in Village Green Road, Crayford, with his wife of 17 years and two children.

The keen photographer also used to work in the clerical department for the Ministry of Defence but was made redundant.

He said: "Suddenly the rug is pulled from beneath you, one minute you have a life and the next you don’t.

"It’s like a living nightmare that people can live like this.

"I don’t understand how it can happen these days."

Mr Stringett now spends around £5 a day on food and drink, usually from McDonald’s or a café.

Friends or family sometimes take him in but he says he does not want to impose.

The father-of-two said: "My 84-year-old mother is in a nursing home and everyone else has their own lives to live and I don’t want to intrude.

"I need a base.

"I can’t get a job without an address and how can I make myself look presentable like this."

Dartford Council

A Dartford Council spokeswoman said: “Dartford Council works with people who approach them to help prevent homelessness wherever possible.

"If you are living in the Dartford area and are homeless or think that you may become homeless call Dartford Borough Council on 01322 343114 (during office hours) or email housingoptions@dartford.gov.uk

"In an emergency outside of office hours, call 0845 634 1212.”