A Winchester-based homelessness charity is warning that the number of people on the city’s streets is set to rise.

Trinity Winchester, which works with people who are homeless and vulnerably housed, said it believes that following a significant increase in the last year this trend will continue as the economic situation and welfare changes continue to bite.

The charity says alongside an increase in numbers of people accessing their services, it has seen a broadening of age range of people through their doors with a girl as young as 14 sleeping rough and some people in their 70s.

Figures announced at Trinity Winchester’s annual general meeting reveal a 53 per cent increase in people accessing the service – this includes a satellite branch in Basingstoke open two days a week – they have seen more than 900 people over the past year April 2010 to April 2011.

There are currently an estimated 34 people rough sleeping in or around Winchester.

At the last count the city also had 10 sofa surfers, people who have no fixed accommodation and are dependent on others' sofas, and 13 site dwellers, people who live on open space sites in caravans and vans.