PEOPLE throughout East Lancashire are feeling the pinch because of the tight economic times we live in.

Families, the unemployed and those on fixed pensions are all having to face belt-tightening to keep within budgets, and it is a struggle.

But there is an increasing number of people for whom things could hardly be worse.

They are those who have lost the ability to keep a roof over their heads and, with it, a lot of self-respect.

Homelessness is an awful degradation.

Everyone needs an address in order to seek work, claim allowances and communicate with all the various bodies that are part of normal, everyday life.

Then there are basic practical needs like having somewhere warm and dry to eat, sleep and wash yourself.

It is worrying to hear that charities which devote themselves to the homeless are struggling to keep up with soaring demand in East Lancashire.

Rising young homelessness, which is being blamed partly on the axing of the Education Maintenance Allowance, is particularly alarming.

We should be ashamed that this winter anyone in East Lancashire should be unable to find shelter.