A HOMELESS centre is looking for a new base after being issued an eviction notice by Oxford City Council.

The Gatehouse, which helps between 80 and 100 people a day, has been based at Northgate Hall in St Michael’s Street for nearly 20 years.

Now Oxford City Council has said it needs to find a more profitable way to use the building over the next year.

Gatehouse project director Andrew Smith said: “The trustees of the Gatehouse recognise the dilemma in which the council finds itself, and are appreciative of the generous notice given.

“We ask for every effort to be made by the many supporters of the project across the whole community to identify a suitable building which might be made available.”

Since 1991 the charity has paid a low rent for the building.

It offers homeless people food, shelter, as well as health and employment help. In recent years other tenants of the building have left, leaving it “seriously under-occupied”.

Cllr Joe McManners, board member for housing, said: “The Gatehouse has provided a valued service to many hundreds of people over the years and it is regrettably that we have had to make this difficult decision.”

  • Anyone who can help with new premises should call Mr Smith on 01865 792999 or email admin@oxfordgatehouse.org