Homeless centre's financial woe

A centre for homeless people in Nottingham could be facing closure after serious financial difficulties.

Emmanuel House on Goosegate helps up to 130 people a day to get food and advice on how to find housing.

The centre needs to raise £54,000 by the end of the financial year in order to remain open.

Staff say it provides a vital lifeline for people living on Nottingham's streets and relieves many of the problems associated with begging.

A recent study said the amount of begging on Nottingham's streets had fallen by 85%.

But the city council has run a tough publicity campaign saying most money given to beggars is spent on drugs.