Edmonton MP Andy Love has welcomed the work local churches have done to raise awareness of homelessness in the borough.

The Seventh Day Adventists in Cuckoo Lane, Edmonton and other churches joined forces to hold a ‘sleeping out’ event to raise money for homeless charities in the area.

Figures have revealed by Shelter have revealed that one in every 48 households in the borough are at risk of losing their home, more than double the national average.

The number of rough sleepers has increased by 250 per cent since 2010.

The Edmonton church organised the event at the former Red Cross building on Houndsfield Road, Edmonton last weekend to show their support.

Mr Love has praised the work the churches have been doing and hopes to see more events taking place.

He said: “It was good to join forces with members of local churches to see how we can work together to prevent Enfield residents being pushed into homelessness and to support those who are.

“Due to welfare reforms, the cost of living crisis and a real lack of affordable housing, rough sleeping in the Borough is increasing at an alarming rate and many more local residents are on the brink of homelessness.  The Government must give people a helping hand.”

From this summer there will be a ‘holiday kitchen’ in operation to help offer meals to children outside of school term.

Simon Lee, a member of the Edmonton Seventh Day Adventists, said: “Sleeping out for just one night was nothing compared to what many rough sleepers have to contend with on a daily basis but it highlighted just how hard it is to be homeless.

“We have raised some money for homeless charities and we are hoping to be able to do more locally to provide families who are struggling with meals and to raise awareness of homelessness.”