THE chief executive of Wirral’s YMCA hostel for homeless people has expressed concerns over the 'significant' rise in numbers using its services.

Nigel Hughes' comments came as the Birkenhead-based organisation begins preparations for Christmas, to provide to those less fortunate who may have found themselves homeless and sleeping rough on Wirral’s streets.

Staff and volunteers of YMCA Wirral are on duty again this year at its night shelter, which has been in operation since 2008, trying to ensure that no one has to survive or die on the streets, and also to provide hot meals over the Christmas period.

The Wirral Overnight Refuge for Rough Sleepers initiative has been accessed over times by a wide range of people, both male and female, who have found themselves on the streets for a variety of reasons.

Mr Hughes told the Globe this week: "Nationally, there's been an increase in homelessness and certainly we have seen a significant increase here.

"Our night shelter in 2015 provided 2796 bed spaces and this year already, to the early part of November, we provided over 3200.

"We've got another six or seven weeks' figures to add to that, so I think this year we're going to certainly surpass 3,500 bed space nights for 2016.

"I think what we are seeing is the ongoing issues of austerity and the economic conditions. A lot of people are still struggling.

"Frank Field MP is very keen to raise the issues to do with fuel poverty and people struggling to feed their kids.

"Nationally, the country is really beginning to feel the strain.

"Homelessness, certainly is on the increase.

"It's sometimes a subject that not everyone readily embraces.

"But sadly, and I have noticed this travelling around the UK, in more and more cities, there are more and more people sitting on the streets or sleeping rough.

"I was quite shocked in one city I visited recently just how noticeable it was."

The Night Shelter costs approximately £30,000 a year to run.

It receives no statutory funding and relies very much on charitable donations from local people and businesses.

Praising the shelter's staff, Mr Hughes continued: "I thank God that I've got an incredibly dedicated team of staff here in Birkenhead that provide vital night shelter services, which take people out of that situation where they have to exist on the streets overnight.

"Certainly, in times of crisis when the weather freezes, I'm almost certain that, if nothing else, we're protecting and keeping them safe.

"Also, sometimes, we’re saving their lives.

"It is helping real people - brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, parents and even grandparents.

"Please feel free to contact me and come and have a look at the magnificent work our dedicated staff team are doing.

"We need donations, small or large, and any amount is more than welcome."

To help, call the YMCA on 0151 650 1015 or email nigel@birkenheadymca.co.uk