I refer to the article Homeless People Sent onto Streets (EA, Friday May 9) in which you write of my Friends (yes, capital F) Gordon, Melanie and Barbara.

You quote a council official who gives the figure of 20 sleeping rough on our streets.

May I assure you that this is exceeded several times in reality. My team which I lead of Befrienders at the Pilgrim Centre is supporting, feeding and clothing this larger number, regularly day after day. We know them, by name, and by number (the total that is ).

We are glad that the day after your article appeared and Sky TV News also reported they were offered accommodation for two of them (why only two??). We seek support in our work and if any of your readers would like to follow the example of some of those caring folk around Howard Close I would be glad to hear from them.

Rev H Derryck Evans

Coordinator

Befrienders Roundabout Cafe,

Regents Circus