Homeless people sleeping on the streets across Greenwich will have a roof over their head thanks to a new centre.

Located in Plumstead Common Road, the Greenwich Hub provides accommodation for 12 people to support them back on their journey to independent living.

The previously dilapidated buildings have been converted and will now provide a safe environment for rough sleepers with complex needs to get back on their feet.

Clinical psychologists will be on hand to rapidly assess those who come in and employment schemes offering training and volunteering are also available to get them back into the workforce.

Keith, 38, is one of the residents there and said the new centre will help a lot of people like him.

He said: “I am really pleased to be here the centre will give me a chance to get help with the issues I have to deal with so I can move on with my life.”

Greenwich Council has said the development is part its work to reduce the growing number of people sleeping on the streets in the borough.

The borough has had a 50 per cent rise of people sleeping on its streets in a four year period. The number rose to 110 in the year 2015/16 from 56 in 2012/3.

Of the 28 sleepers who approached the Council for help, 70 per cent had either substance abuse or mental health issues.

Councillor David Gardner, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “This centre provides an important extension of our pathway to support the most vulnerable rough sleepers move to independent living in the community.

“The Greenwich Hub is about so much more than providing accommodation. It is to provide a high level of support ranging from psychological treatments to help with jobs and training to help residents take the right steps to improve their lives.”