I WISH to answer criticisms made in two letters last week in regard to homeless people sleeping in the Memorial Remembrance Garden at Lancaster Town Hall.

I acted on this because of comp-laints brought to me by several people who thought it, to quote their own words, very disrespectful'.

I informed the city council on both occasions this occurred and they cleared the debris, bedding, cans and bottles and other rubbish from the area. I have received many words of support for this and have thanked the council for prompt action.

One letter says that I can go home to a warm bed' whereas the homeless people cannot. The young men named on the memorial, who sacrificed their lives for this district, cannot do that either or will ever do so again. It just does not bear thinking about what they must have endured.

My Uncle William is named there. He died of his wounds aged 23 and was buried in Italy, never returning to his warm bed. Where should his memory be placed in the line of respect?

I am sure that the two people who criticise me are sincere in their thoughts, but would they be prepared to let the homeless sleep on a bench in their garden instead of insulting people who are simply trying to do their best to help others.

Below is some helpful information supplied to me by the city council's strategic services department.

Cllr Sheila Denwood, Scotforth.

The city council is working hard with a wide range of agencies to tackle the district's homelessness.

Instances of homelessness have increased as a result of rising property values and a falling supply of council houses coming up for re-let. These problems are made worse because the night shelter has closed due to a shortage of volunteers.

Additional emergency accom-modation will be available in the next few weeks and discussions are under way with organisations to run the night shelter.

The council is also committed to implementing its District Home-lessness Strategy, which pays special attention to preventing people from becoming homeless in the first place through support, advice and practical assistance at an early stage.