SALES of The Big Issue have dropped since Bournemouth was heralded as a champion for tackling homelessness.

Falling magazine revenue is fuelling the desperate plight of people sleeping rough on the streets or in makeshift shelters and squats, according to local manager Kelly Jones.

"Since the government claimed there were only seven rough sleepers in Bournemouth public sympathy has waned and people are not as willing to support our vendors.

"We have 50 sellers based at our Bournemouth office. They are all homeless so these figures are ridiculous. Every day we see the life and death reality of the town's homeless problem."

Kelly challenged local councillor Jean Moore to spend one day with her "caring for Bournemouth's invisible homeless people".

Last month the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister named Bournemouth a Homelessness Regional Champion and asked the council to share its expertise with other local authorities across the region.

Commenting on the accolade, Cllr Moore said: "It is very rewarding to know that our experiences and knowledge can be shared to have a significant impact on helping other parts of the country as well."

The government claimed homelessness in the town had dropped by 60 per cent since 2002/2003 and rough sleepers had fallen from 44 in 1997 to just seven in March 2005.

"Bournemouth has got one of the biggest homeless problems in the country," said Kelly.

"If there wasn't a problem we wouldn't need a base here. Our vendors literally rely on The Big Issue to survive.

"Sales have dropped since the council was held up as a champion at tackling homelessness because people are being conned into thinking there isn't a problem here anymore.

"The government's count is carried out during a two-hour period twice a year. To be classed as homeless people have to be bedded down, asleep in the street. They aren't counted if they are awake.

"Those living in tents, cars, squats, hostels, the town's only night shelter or on friends' floors are not included so the statistics are not painting a true picture.

"It's a vicious circle because you can't get accommodation if you haven't got a job or money for a deposit. The Big Issue sellers are trying to rise above their plight. For every magazine they sell for £1.40 they earn 70p.

"We only sold 458 copies in Bournemouth town centre last week.

"If every local family bought one copy each month there wouldn't be a homeless problem here."

Bournemouth's nine town centre Big Issue pitches include outside Debenhams in The Square. Store manager and traders' representative Stephen Mewha said: "We would rather homeless people are selling The Big Issue and making some money to provide for themselves than begging in the street.

"In the past we had problems with vendors because they were being aggressive but we haven't had any complaints in the last nine months."

Beales' store director Sarah Morgan said: "We are always very protective towards our customers. There is a designated Big Issue site near our entrance but it is controlled and we have contact with the co-ordinating group if any issues arise.

"We haven't had any problems recently. We like to help charities wherever we can and recognise their value in the community."

Town centre manger Kevin Moore said: "We are supportive of The Big Issue sellers and try to work with them, as much as possible, because they are endeavouring to earn a living.

"There were problems in the past with vendors but now I hardly ever receive complaints from shoppers or traders about their behaviour.

"While working with them, we try to control the situation by clearly marking their pitches.

People should not buy The Big Issue if vendors are not in the vicinity of a marked pitch or do not have identification with them."

First published: April 6