FAMILY tension during the festive period could see a rise in townsfolk seeking emergency accommodation, it has been revealed, writes Becky Procter.

And organisations offering accommodation for people in crisis are preparing for a post-Christmas rush as family feuds reach breaking point.

Redditch Council's homeless support officer, Pauline Winter, who works at Upper Norgrove House, Webheath, said every year she saw a rise in nominations for accommodation.

She said: The council nominates people to come to the hostel.

We do get more people after Christmas than in the run-up to it because of family problems, financial troubles or breakdowns.

The hostel offers temporary accommodation for adults, families and single people who are vulnerable and officers are on call during the entire holiday period.

Redditch YMCA chief executive Ian Barcham said there was always an increase in applications from young people seeking accommodation after Christmas.

He said: There can be a strain over Christmas in family relations and it's the time some people decide to move out.

It could be just a short-term thing or it really could be the final straw.

He added: I think Christmas can be a time of great blessing but it can also be a time of tension as well.

The YMCA has three schemes in Redditch, two in Church Hill and one in Woodrow, all of which offer support and advice to help people live independently.

But Mr Barcham said the organisation was looking to find further premises and resources to expand.