A DORCHESTER homeless shelter has shut its doors after 12 years.

The Hub is to close after a decrease in the number of people seeking support.

The shelter used to be based in Great Western Road. It moved to new premises in High East Street earlier this year.

EDP has been commissioned by the district councils to provide a street outreach service in place of The Hub.

Since 2009, the shelter had been managed by the Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA).

Lianne Paddison-Casbierd, Dorset locality manager for BCHA, said: “The reasons behind the closure of The Hub are very positive.

“The local district councils have recognised the need to commission an outreach service that is tailored to the needs of local homeless people.

“We are working closely with the providers of this service to ensure that those people who have been accessing The Hub continue to receive the support they need.”

Angie Barnes, Soul Food outreach worker, said she was disappointed by the decision to close the centre. Soul Food offers food, clothing and support to the homeless and vulnerable in and around Weymouth.

She said: “It’s dreadful. I think it’s pretty sad because the guys have got nowhere to go now in Dorchester, unless they migrate down to Weymouth.

“It’s not practical for them and it’s not practical for the town.”

Ms Barnes added that she remained sceptical over the outreach service planned to replace The Hub.

Margaret Barker, chairman of The Friends of The Hub, said the group would continue to support the homeless people of Dorchester.

She said: “It was always our hope that eventually the statutory services for homeless people would make The Hub redundant.

“We will still be here to provide practical help to homeless people when they are first housed, including the provision of basic furniture and help with travel and training, or employment costs.”

The NHS Dental Van will continue to visit once a month, based at the Durnovaria Band Hall in Fordington and volunteers would be on hand to offer hot drinks and a chat.

Mayor of Dorchester Peter Mann, said: “I think The Hub has done very good work indeed, particularly in the last few years in helping people to be rehoused.

“I’m very sorry about the closure but I think there will be alternative forms of support put into place. That’s certainly my hope.”