A COUNCILLOR has praised a York woman for trying to help a homeless man - and says several organisations are working hard to try to resolve his problems.

Micklegate councillor Jonny Crawshaw was speaking as the online appeal for the man reached £5,375 by yesterday afternoon.

The Press has reported previously how local resident Lara Seamer launched the appeal after a spiked chain was used last weekend to prevent him sleeping rough in an alcove at the back of a building in Fetter Lane, Skeldergate. The chain was subsequently removed but more than 450 people have now donated to her appeal.

Cllr Crawshaw said every individual case of people sleeping rough was different. “I have spoken with colleagues over the past few days and I am aware of several organisations who are working hard to try and find a solution in this case,” he said.

“Lara has done a fantastic job in bringing homelessness in the city to wider attention and I commend her for taking action to try and help someone who is clearly in a difficult situation.”