WINTERWATCH, the hostel scheme for homeless single people in the Farnham area, will be going ahead this year.

With the future of its usual venue of Brightwell House hanging in the balance, Waverley Borough Council confirmed the initiative would proceed as it has for the last eight years.

The scheme is organised by the English Churches Housing Group and the voluntary sector, and has received grants from the borough council.

Last winter, they gave £15,000 towards the project, which also received funding from the homeless charity, Crisis.

In 1999 more than 50 homeless people made use of the facilities available at the shelter.

Sallyanne Osborn, of Waverley Borough Council said it had been a successful scheme, and that should any alternative venue be required in the future, they would find one.