By JOEL SAWYER

A NEW arsenal for the fight against homelessness in Warrington is working its way through the town hall.

Members of the Community and Housing Services Committee this week discussed a new homeless strategy development panel aimed at taking the homeless off the town's streets for good.

Among its aims and targets is to investigate and evaluate the possibility of a permanent night shelter.

A Homeless Steering Group has already been set up which brings together housing, police, probation, voluntary groups and town hall bosses to discuss ways in which to develop multi-agency working.

The panel itself will provide a comprehensive picture of each case to prevent people "falling through the net" by addressing the specific housing issues which may result in a loss of tenancy.

It has been created following a motion in February, moved by conservative Clr Keith Bland, that the borough council should look into providing a full-time night shelter and support centre for the homeless.

The panel is seen by homeless workers as a very positive way forward in creating a collective voice for the street homeless and short-term homeless.

It was welcomed by committee members, who agreed to refer it to the Policy and Resources Committee for the final approval.