A homeless man has lost his accommodation at the Sefton Express over problem behaviour.

The Department of Home Affairs said the decision was not taken lightly.

A small number of homeless people and those with no fixed abode have been housed in the Sefton Express shelter to provide them with a safe, secure place to stay during the coronavirus lockdown and protect themselves and others.

Many of these people live chaotic lifestyles and suffer with mental health and substance misuse issues.

While at the shelter, they have access to a range of government services, including social workers, mental health outreach workers and health professionals.

All those people housed at the Sefton Express Hotel sign a contract which includes minimum standards of behaviour.

A DHA spokesman said: ’People are given leeway, but in cases where damage is caused repeatedly, including where the safety of others at the shelter is put at risk, then we have a duty to act to protect others.

’The shelter is overseen by professional probation officers who are trained to manage risk and in their opinion, given the repeated behaviours shown by an individual, the department took the decision in the interest of others to withdraw the offer of accommodation in this case.

’It was not a decision taken lightly, but the best interests of other residents must be considered.’

Under the Emergency Powers Act, people without a permanent residence have been moved into the Sefton Express and Athol House, Douglas.

They are being charged £192.25 a week, either from their own money or deducted from benefits. There are concerns this may leave them with no money and in debt.