A GROWING number of ex-offenders with drink, drug and homelessness problems could soon find their way onto the streets of Canterbury.

It follows the down-grading of Canterbury Prison to a Category C release unit, catering for criminals serving much shorter sentences.

The process is due for completion next April, but homeless agencies are already reporting an increase in a different type of client.

Police claim they can keep a lid on crime and say that only a small percentage of released offenders are likely to stay in the Canterbury area.

But Mike Emberson of the Canterbury Open Centre believes the problems have already started to impact on the city. And he predicts that more people will end up on the streets and involved in anti-social behaviour.

Canterbury Prison's new role means it will draw inmates from a much wider area and will result in the more frequent release of offenders into the community.

The Home Office admits its much-vaunted, short-term prisoner project at Canterbury will need to be expanded to take into account the new offender profile.

But Mr Emberson says there is currently not enough accommodation or facilities to cope with the potential influx. He also predicts problems if the new clients who come to the attention of homelessness agencies don't have the motivation or desire to change their lifestyles.

He says the loss, last year, of eight beds provided by the charity RAFT and the more recent closure of vital bed and breakfast accommodation at Guildford Lodge in Nunnery Fields was aggravating the problem.

He said: "In the past, about 10 per cent of our clients came from the prison. That number has risen to 25 per cent and it is only going to get worse."

Canterbury Police Insp Ray Carver said he did not believe the change in inmates at Canterbury Prison would lead to 'anarchy on the streets'.

He stressed: "There will be a number of agencies working with offenders due to be released and I believe the majority will return to their home roots. We will know who these offenders are and will be able to keep a lid on crime."