HOMELESS people across the borough can now access better support after the opening of a refurbished hostel.

The remodelled Redbridge Night Shelter now offers better accommodation for up to 18 rough sleepers, as well as support from trained staff who can assess the needs of people who spend the night there.

The hostel, in York Road, Ilford, is run by charity SHP and will offer homeless people help for drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health problems.

Staff can also help them find longer-term housing, as well as training and employment.

Councillor Robin Turbefield, cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m delighted to see the completion of the building, which is a significant milestone towards transforming services to support rough sleepers in Redbridge.

“The new centre is the culmination of three years of hard work by all the partners involved and could not have been achieved without the wide support for the project across the local community.”