Post by Focus on Jun 12, 2013 12:34:41 GMT
* Homelessness across Britain has risen by a third over the past three
years
* Those who have lost their homes include middle classes hit by downturn
* Destitute people found living in squalid network of caves in Stockport
It is a haunting image of destitution which should have no place in 21st century Britain - a homeless man sitting in a cave with his meagre belongings and rubbish strewn around him.
But the issue of men and women seeking refuge in cave systems such as this one in Stockport, Greater Manchester is worrying campaigners as figures show homelessness continues to surge in the economic downturn.
Across the country, homelessness has risen by six per cent over the course of the past year, soaring by 34 per cent compared to three years ago.
Squalid : An Estonian huddles up in a cave near Stockport that is strewn with rubbish and filth. For him it is home
In some areas, cave formations provide the only location for a shelter which is dry and safe - leading the destitute to scratch out a squalid existence in the wilderness.
One of the hardest-hit areas has been Stockport - and a network of sandstone caves near the town centre has been playing host to a number of homeless people.
Up to four people at a time sleep rough in the secret warren, perched on a 20ft precipice overhanging the River Mersey.
The caves are currently occupied by a homeless Estonian man, who arrived in the region several weeks ago.
Safe : Despite the filthy conditions in the cave, it is much more secure and comfortable than the street
They are littered with half-empty tins of food, filthy clothing and condom wrappers - but is considered safer than sleeping on the street.
The Wellspring, a local homelessness charity, says that the caves have proved a popular temporary home for those who feel they have nowhere else to go.
Jonathan Billings, project manager for the charity, said that the number of people - including an increasing number of immigrants from Eastern Europe - seeking support has doubled over the past three years.
Many of those looking for help are formerly affluent middle-class people who lost their jobs in the downturn and were left without any source of income, he said.
'Unfortunately when people are sleeping rough they will come to very dangerous places,' Mr Billings added. 'I know of people who have fallen into the river. Sometimes kids come down and set fire to their sleeping bags when they're in them.
'But if it wasn't there, it would be somewhere else. I think readers would be surprised by the extent of it - people are hidden away from the public eye. I don't think politicians are aware of the scale of the problem.
'We have got to pull together to help people, whatever their situation. Nobody wants to see people living in a cave.'
Warning : Jonathan Billings, from homelessness charity Wellspring, says many people seeking help over accommodation are middle-class
The financial crisis and subsequent devastating recession have depressed economic growth and driven up unemployment to 7.8 per cent.
However, the cost of living has continued to rise along with house prices, meaning more people than ever before are being reduced to temporary accommodation or even forced onto the street.
In London, homelessness rose by 16 per cent over the year 2012-13, while parts of Greater Manchester saw rises of as much as 40 per cent.
Leading homelessness charity Crisis has called for the Government to build thousands of new affordable homes in an attempt to tackle the burgeoning problem.
Easy solution - Stop giving Britain's housing to immigrants Cameron, the people of Great Britain SHOULD NOT have to live like this!! - Fx
