Just 14 people were found sleeping on the streets of Medway when the council carried out it’s annual rough sleeper count.

Since autumn 2010, all local authorities have to submit an annual figure to the government showing the number of people sleeping rough in their area on a typical night.

The count took place on Wednesday, November 16 using information from local agencies.

Over three hours, six groups covered Rochester, Chatham, Strood, Gillingham (including the Great Lines park and the Hospital), Tywdall and Lower Rainham.

They looked at known locations and anywhere they thought might be used by those sleeping rough.

A Medway Council spokesperson said: “We undertook the rough sleeper count in accordance with national guidance and the methodology used and evidence collected on the night of the count was approved by an independently appointed verifier.

“We appreciate that the count is a snapshot of the number of rough sleepers in Medway on a single night and does not record everyone in the area with a history of rough sleeping. Therefore, we collect evidence from key local agencies on a regular basis.

"These agencies have the most accurate information about those who are not in settled accommodation and who could be at risk of sleeping rough if they cannot find a place to stay.

“The intelligence gathered indicates that the number of people who are at risk of rough sleeping in Medway is between 50 and 60 at any one time. However, data from the annual rough sleeper counts have found between 2-16 people actually sleeping rough on a single night.”

Volunteer Neil Charlick from Medway Help for Homeless said the number is far higher, but you have to know where to look.

“I’m meeting new people all the time,” he said. “There’s 14 within half a mile of Morrisons in Strood, I see between 50 and 75 people, and the Salvation Army get at least 40 at their drop ins on Tuesdays.”

He started off heading out just once a week, but said over the last three months it has become a full time job.

Mr Charlick added: “We go out looking for people who don’t want to be found. I know about 50 regulars by name but people don’t want you to know where they are.”