A town's homeless shelter is at risk of closing after it was refused government and council funding. 

The King's Lynn Night Shelter, which is set to open for the winter period next month, has received no public money to support its work this year.

It was denied £100,000 from the government's Department for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities and West Norfolk Council has also not provided the £30,000 it has in previous years.

Eastern Daily Press: Lucy McKitterick inside the night shelter in King's LynnLucy McKitterick inside the night shelter in King's Lynn (Image: Chris Bishop)

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Co-ordinator Lucy McKitterick said: "We have been surprised by the decision.

"Our work supports those who may fall between the cracks so it is important that we work together.

"We hope they will change their minds so we can continue to stay open this winter."

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West Norfolk Council has said it works and funds with a range of providers to support homeless people and that while it acknowledges the important work of the night shelter, its decision to decline funding is due to a change in approach focussing on more preventative strategies to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping which have seen significant success in the last seven years.