THE death of homeless man Joby Sparrey had prompted volunteers to set up a group to tackle the problems of rough sleeping in the town.

The group, called Malvern Against Homelessness, has been set up by town councillor and West Worcestershire Labour party chairman Samantha Charles, distinct councillor Natalie McVey and Wayne Whittaker, of Keep Safe Warm, which provides clothes for people in need.

The group’s first action is to hold an inaugural Malvern street cafe next week.

Cllr Charles said: “This is the second open air death in as many months and many more people are without a home or safe place to sleep in our community. We have formed Malvern Against Homelessness to lobby Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council to provide a night shelter and emergency accommodation for rough sleepers in Malvern and we are also taking action locally ourselves.

“We are running our first Malvern Street Cafe on Wednesday, January 16, with Worcestershire Homeless Appeal, who have come forward to support us with their catering van and experienced volunteers.

“We will be offering coats, hoodies, sleeping bags, warm socks and toiletry packs, and moving forward we hope to be able to provide toilets, showers, clothes washing, hair cuts and phone-charging facilities depending on the location, as well as befrienders and specialist advice, backed by other organisations.”

More than 25 people attended the group’s meeting last week at Abbey Road Coffee, said Cllr Charles. “It was a good turn-out, and people who could not come have been getting in touch since, volunteering to help out,” she said.

Mr Sparrey’s death follows that of Remigiusz Boczarski, who had been living in a bus shelter in Wells Road. Mr Boczarski is believed to have taken his own life, aged 40, on October 31. Anyone who can help can call Cllr Charles on 07411 294226 or email samantha.charles@hotmail.co.uk