Youngsters are set to end up back on the streets after a hostel for the homeless announced it will close at the end of the month, writes Mark Templeton.

Orchard Lodge in Warwick Road, Banbury, was set up in December to provide emergency and temporary accommodation for people over 16 years old.

Although it was only intended to run for three months throughout the winter, further fundraising allowed it to continue.

But a search for a permanent home has so far failed, forcing the hostel to close next Friday. About 80 youngsters have been helped by the service since it opened.

"Margaret Simpson, operational manager at the hostel, said: "People currently being housed are being helped to find alternative accommodation wherever possible by Orchard Lodge Project and Banbury Young Homelessness Project staff.

"Inevitably some individuals will return to rough sleeping.

"The search for a new, permanent site will continue even though the project has to close its doors." The hostel was run by Oxford-based charity The Bridge, in partnership with Banbury District Housing Coalition and Banbury Young Homelessness Project.

Oxfordshire County Council owns Orchard Lodge and handed it over to the charity for three months.