FOR some people, the Christmas Care shelter at Queen's Drive Methodist church must seem like heaven. Alan Smith, who features in our report today, says he wants to get his life back on track but is still stuck sleeping in a makeshift shanty town of pallets and binbags.

With no roof over his head, it's difficult to get back into the routine world that most of us are lucky enough to take for granted. He's had a few days of warmth and food but is now back on the streets.

Mr Smith and others who find themselves in his situation need help. This is why it's imperative more is done to help rough sleepers in Swindon.

Providing a shelter would cost money, certainly, but would save money in the long run, a fact that is shown by the story of Andy, who also welcomed the Christmas Care shelter.

Andy shoplifts about £100 worth of goods a day. He is not alone in this, as it is estimated £180,000 of theft takes place in Swindon each day to fuel drugs in the town about £65 million a year. This stealing hurts all traders in Swindon, but with little help around it is difficult to see how Andy can get out of the cycle.

Some people on drugs are the scum of the earth, but that should not stop society from trying to help the many who aren't. If Culvery Court and other hostels are full and forced into turning away rough sleepers, how can we expect to ease the number of addicts?

It would cost money but it would be an enlightened solution to the problem if those charged with governing the town were to provide the means to allow the homeless to help themselves.