A HOMELESS man resorted to living in a tent when his requests for help were refused by Herefordshire Council.

The council responded that an almost 100 per cent overspend in its homelessness budget meant it had to put more vulnerable people first.

Alan Gabb, aged 42, from Ledbury, found himself out on the streets when his rented accommodation fell through on Wednesday.

He went to Hereford to seek help from the council but was told because he is a single man with no dependants, he was not recognised as a priority under the Homelessness Act.

Mr Gabb sought out Ledbury councillor Tony Bradford after hearing he might be given some help.

The councillor, who was himself left homeless for three weeks in 1997, managed to locate a tent for Mr Gabb to stay in while he publicised the man’s plight.

Mr Gabb, who used to work at Ledbury’s Universal Beverages, said: “I would like some assistance.

“My health is deteriorating.”

Spokesman for Herefordshire Council Robert Blower said those with priority needs for temporary accommodation included people who are pregnant or have children aged less than 18, young people coming out of care, or households with elderly or disabled family members.

“Herefordshire Council takes very seriously its duty of care to homeless people and its overall budget of £241,000 per year is already overspent by £213,000 this financial year as it places vulnerable families and individuals in accommodation,” said Mr Blower.

Yesterday, Herefordshire Council confirmed it had offered Mr Gabb a loan towards rented accommodation.