THE search for somewhere to house the homeless this Christmas continues - but there may be some light at the end of the tunnel.

Lancaster University has not ruled out offering a venue for the homeless over the festive season.

Following a suggestion from Citizen Smith that there was plenty of room at Bailrigg, the university said they would give the matter "careful consideration."

But Homeless Action spokesman, Tony Hennessey, says its now critical that somewhere is found soon.

"It's reached the stage where our clients are asking if there will be a shelter this Christmas. It will be very hard to tell them that there isn't one. We need something, anything and we can assure everyone that the shelter is run very professionally.

"We leave the place immaculate, provide our own security and have lots of volunteers on hand day and night."

Last week Citizen Smith asked if there was room at Bailrigg and university spokesman, Vicky Tyrrell, replied: "This is something that the university has not thought about before, and it is certainly an interesting suggestion. However, the university does run conferences over the vacation which use up some rooms and we have a number of overseas and post graduate students who stay on campus all year.

"On a practical level there might be problems with our location out of town, and there would be a cost involved in security, administration and cleaning."

She added: "Your readers can be assured that the university will give it careful consideration and if Citizen Smith would pass on Homeless Action's address to us we will contact them."

Anyone who would like to volunteer their services or a venue for the Homeless Christmas Shelter can contact Tony on 842008 or 389184.