HOMELESS people are to be evicted from lockdown accommodation today.

People housed in the Chatsworth Hotel, Worthing, are packing their bags due to the imminent reopening of the hospitality industry.

The homeless have been told they have to leave due to issues around the hotel’s insurance.

The family-run hotel in the town centre said that about 55 people have been using the premises.

A spokesman said: “We have not chosen to evict anyone.

"Both us and the council wanted to extend the contract, but this was not possible due to insurance concerns.

"It’s not something the council or ourselves wanted.”

Adur and Worthing Council said it was working with all individuals affected to ensure it meets its housing duties and provides support to those who have been accommodated.

It says it has a duty to home four of these people and is now assessing up to 20 others.

In late March, central Government demanded that all councils must provide accommodation for every rough sleeper.

Councils across the UK rushed to work with hotels and BnBs to secure places for the homeless to stay during lockdown.

The Government provided money to achieve this, however Adur and Worthing Council said it was not enough and it has now been left with a £1.5 million hole in the budget.

Councillor Daniel Humphreys, leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “The Government must recognise that now lockdown is easing we have been left with a significant hole in our budget and an ongoing problem with those we have housed above and beyond our statutory, and funded, duty which continues to put an even greater strain on council finances.”