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A homelessness charity has been awarded almost £250,000 to tackle rough sleeping in Lincolnshire and Rutland.

Framework Housing Association, based in Nottinghamshire, is set to receive £247,111 over three years from the Homelessness Transition Fund.

The charity helps about 8,000 homeless and vulnerable people across the East Midlands and areas of South Yorkshire.

Peter Radage, service director for the charity, said it was an "important award" for Lincolnshire.

'Not sustainable'

"Anecdotal evidence suggests that levels of rough sleeping are beginning to rise across the county, with certain localities experiencing persistent problems," he said.

"The money will be used to develop a dedicated service targeting those sleeping rough.

"Rough sleeping is not a sustainable lifestyle and it can be very dangerous for those who find themselves out on the street, especially as temperatures plummet over the winter period."

Framework Housing Association began delivering a variety of services to Lincolnshire in October.

And earlier in December, the charity formally opened its Pathways Centre, at Beaumont Fee in Lincoln city centre, which offers 19 units of homeless accommodation.

The grant is part of a £20m programme by the Department of Communities and Local Government to tackle rough sleeping nationally.