BY ITS very nature Totnes is a town that attracts people who do not always fit into the stereotyped image of modern society — including many who are down on their luck and live from hand to mouth.

Quite a number are homeless and sleep rough wherever they can find a sheltered spot. How they have survived during the recent bitter weather is a minor miracle in itself and you can hear many tales of hardship and endurance if you call in at the little church in Station Road where they know they will receive a welcome and a hot meal as well as clothing and blankets to keep out the cold.

For 13 years the Church of Jesus the King Christian Fellowship has opened its doors to the homeless and vulnerable. Now, ironically, it is in danger of becoming homeless itself because the building it uses is scheduled for redevelopment. But high level talks are going on to find an alternative site, and fingers are crossed there may be good news soon.

Many good people, including some local traders, help the work that Pastor Mark Hatch and his team do for the underprivileged. But not everyone is supportive. Some worry about the town's image as a tourist attraction.

They believe the sight of people sleeping rough or sitting in the street, often with dogs to attract sympathy, will deter visitors. They want councillors and police to take a tougher line and remove the uncomfortable evidence of what can happen when life goes wrong.

Mark Hatch is so concerned by this attitude he has put out an appeal to the people of Totnes to show more compassion to the vulnerable members of society.

"I think Totnes is divided on the homeless issue," he told me. "Half the town is very supportive of what we are trying to do and the other half just want to move the problem on to somewhere else.

"Some in positions of local authority seem to care more about the good image of Totnes than the people who are homeless and needy.

"I was born in Totnes, have lived all my life here and care passionately for the town and its good reputation. I appreciate that the homeless do cause problems and I fully support the police in what they are doing to solve them. But it is all too easy to make life uncomfortable for the very vulnerable in the hope they will move elsewhere.

"We should regard them as people who need help rather than problems. Accept them as they are and help them rather than make them feel unwanted and continually hassled."

He says the homeless have suffered greatly during this freezing winter and many have turned up at the church soup kitchen for food, warmth and companionship. One young man was in such despair he committed suicide last winter. But others have responded to the help they have been given and have found jobs and a return to normal life.

Pastor Hatch says he is grateful for the help he receives, particularly from local butchers and organic food producers. If anyone would like further information he can be contacted on 01803 866734.