HOMELESS people in Swindon desperately need a day centre where they can get help and advice, says a leading councillor.

Coun Geraldine Robertson (Lib Dem, Freshbrook and Grange Park) is spearheading a task group on street-drinking.

One area the group is looking at is the problem of people who drink on park benches and street doorways.

Coun Robertson said: "These people are often homeless and have nowhere else to go.

"I am concerned at the plight of those reduced to living on the streets, who are often alcohol and drug dependent.

"I feel that society does not do enough to help these people, or allow them the dignity they deserve.

"I am therefore recommending in my report that council officers, in consultation with relevant parties, investigate the feasibility of creating and funding a day centre for the homeless.

"We need somewhere where they can be treated with respect and have access to help if they wish."

It is estimated that between 20 and 25 people sleep rough in Swindon every night, mostly in multi-storey car parks.

Homeless charity Threshold Housing Link (THL) runs eight hostels, and beds are also available at the Salvation Army run-Davis House.

But those who work with the homeless say they can't cope with the demand for beds.

And Phil Smith, resourses manager at THL's Calvary Court hostel in Fleet Street, says Swindon Council has ignored the homeless in the past.

"It would have been nice if the council had committed itself to setting up a resettlement centre when we tried to start one six years ago," he said.

"This would be a place people with drug problems could go while they are trying to get clean.

"It's hard to stop using drugs when you are living in an environment where it is pushed in your face all the time.

"If the council really wants to do something about alcohol and anti-social behaviour it should stop granting so many licences which allow people to drink until they cause bedlam in the town centre."

The task group is also looking at drink-related problems which flare during County Ground matches and at the weekend in the town centre.

Tamash Lal