A PROPOSED homelessness strategy that would operate throughout Dorset has been criticised for overlooking those already living rough.

Volunteer homelessness outreach worker Angie Barnes said she welcomed anything designed to address the overall problem.

But she fears the strategy could focus too much on preventing homelessness rather than helping those already on the streets.

The proposed homeless strategy would involve Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and West Dorset District Council working together with Purbeck, East Dorset and North Dorset district councils and Christchurch Borough Council.

The strategy would include more effective use of temporary accommodation and improved access to homelessness services, particularly prevention.

Angie, who runs Weymouth's Soul Food Café for the homeless, said: "Any strategy that helps to tackle homelessness is good because it is helping prevent homelessness in one form or another and that can only be a good thing.

"But I feel that central and local government ought to be looking at what they can do about the people that are living rough right now as opposed to those that are at risk of becoming homeless."

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's housing spokesman Jean Woodward said the strategy would help tackle the homelessness issue. She said: "In 2003, Dorset councils each published individual strategies, but encouragingly we have chosen to work together this time, sharing information and ideas in order to achieve a more positive and structured action plan."

She said the proposed strategy could eventually include more access to help with rent deposits and help for social landlords to get access to properties not selling well on the open market.

She added: "It's the first time there's been a strategy like this and I think it will help tackle the problem with more gusto."

Bob Matthews, who runs The Hub homeless project in Dorchester, said: "A lot of people who are homeless in Weymouth are probably not aware that West Dorset is a different council area, so it does make sense to have an overall strategy for the county."

Members of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council's management committee will discuss the proposal at their next meeting on Tuesday.

The proposal was drawn up, and would be operated by the district councils in East, West and North Dorset and Purbeck as well as Weymouth and Portland and Christchurch Borough Councils.