I'm sure we're all sad to see the mortality rate of the homeless rise in Watford. In fact it's not just 'sad' - it's a terrible tragedy and deplorable that in 2019 anyone should be homeless. It is now pledged that a night shelter will be open from Christmas to March next year.

So is accommodation for the homelessness still an issue - but just not at Christmas? Some had presumed that night shelters were available all the year round. Is that not the case? What happened to the night shelters in Rickmansworth Road?

Not so long ago, some sleeping bags were donated to help the homeless. What happened to them then? It's no good hoping the 'problem' will go away by handing out maps to homeless people telling them to keep within certain areas and banning them from others. They need support starting with providing a roof over their head, not crocodile tears from politicians and charity bosses.

Dave Degen

Whippendell Road, Watford