Councillors fully supported a project designed to provide accommodation and food for rough sleepers during the winter months, run by the Salvation Army.

Area committee seven awarded �1,667 to help fund Redbridge’s Cold Weather Centre, Green Lane, Ilford, which opens on December 1.

Cllr Matthew Chaudhary said: “I have seen this problem first hand in Valentines Park, which has a number of rough sleepers who regularly sleep there. There is no where else for them to go and this scheme must be supported.”

From December 2011 to February 2012 the centre housed 109 rough sleeps, and the number is expected to rise this winter.

Cllr Ross Hatfull said: “A few weeks ago I went out the street pastors and I saw the extent of the homelessness problem which really is a desperate situation. It was so shocking.

“I strongly support anyone that is trying to help the situation. Last years this scheme kept a lot of people alive.”

Cllr Shoaib Patel added: “This is a very good cause and there asking for a relatively small amount of money. This is a much needed scheme and I commend the people who work hard on this project.”

Funding has also been granted by Area Committee Six.