HOMELESS and vulnerable people took to the streets of Andover in protest against the Two Saints drop-in centre closing.

Up until Monday the centre in Union House in Union Street, had provided essential help to the homeless and victims of abuse for over three years.

The group collected well over 300 signatures on their petition against the closure.

The centre provided hot meals, clothes, washing facilities, doctors, counselling and access to housing associations.

Stephen Cooper, a former drug addict who the centre has helped dramatically, said: "Most importantly, it was a place to go and meet other people who feel excluded from the community and society."

Jim Masterson, covered in cuts and bruises on his face due to sleeping rough said: "When I had my shoulder dislocated due to a beating in my sleeping bag, Two Saints helped me see a doctor."

Gina Roper, an alcohol and drugs worker who has worked at the centre for a year, said: "GPs in general do not deal with addicts because they are a drain on the NHS."

The centre was the only place of warmth for some people. Trisha Nita said: "I live in a garage, where am I going to go for warmth now?"

However, Simon Mantle, chief executive of Two Saints Housing Association Ltd said the reason the centre was closing was due to lack of funds.

He said: "We have struggled to provide an adequate service. We've never had sufficient grants to cover the costs.

Although Test Valley Borough Council thankfully helped with costs, it still didn't cover all costs.

"We were not able to prepare food there any more. The access for disabled people was very poor - stationed on the first floor, meant winding steps. And it was crowded.

"Test Valley Borough Council has already offered us one site and is actively seeking other sites."

But he added: "The centre doesn't fit our purposes any more. We want to focus on our direct access unit (accommodation at short notice). The drop-in centre was only ever a stop gap until we developed our direct access unit in Andover."

The Primary Care Trust provided health care at the Two Saints drop-in centre.

Temporary arrangements for health care will now be available at the hostel in Dene Court, Dean Road, Andover.

Brian Cowcher from Test Valley Borough Council said the centre had become incompatible with commercial businesses sharing Union House.

But the council was hoping the centre would be reopened elsewhere. Any organisations with accommodation in Andover town centre, he would like to hear from them,on 01264 368601.