A TOUCHING tribute has been paid to a “courteous and considerate” man who died aged 40.

Roy White, who had battled with alcoholism and homelessness, has died of natural causes.

John Barber, of Street Spirit Southend, fondly remembered Roy who he had spent time with on a number of occasions through his line of work.

He said: “ During the times I met him, there were things that stood out.

“I found Roy to be invariably courteous and considerate, and while I was sad when he wasn’t in a good place, I still found he could ooze positivity.

“While we rarely had long conversations, I found those we did have were usually pleasant.

“I also found Roy to be kind to others, whatever their situation in life. He struck me as a loyal friend.”

Mr Barber said that one of the sobering observations from his work was the average life expectancy of a homeless person was unfortunately a lot less than someone who lives in a home.

He added: “In recent years many of my homeless friends have died early, likely linked to their homeless circumstances, and this has made me sad, especially as many died without having fulfilled their full potential.

“There were occasions Roy had been housed in the time I knew him, but without sustaining it, including at the end. sadly for much of that time he was rough sleeping.

“I didn’t know him well enough to know precisely what caused him to be homeless, and I believe he had a loving family and had held down a steady job, but I know he had a problem with alcohol addiction and my experience is that and rough sleeping is not a good combination.

“He will be sorely missed, especially by family and friends left behind.”

Southend Council has made it clear it is doing everything possible to tackle the issue of homelessness.

Councillor Mark Flewitt said: “The council is too often considered not to be aware of the issue of homeless people.

“But officers are very much aware of these people and their background, but because they’re adults they need consulting before they can receive help. Sadly, it is too often the case that they’re unable to give agreement.

“We also realise some are ill and do everything we can to get contact with them in order to make sure they are offered help.

“Some deaths will be a shock because a homeless person can die suddenly.

“If they were younger it would be different. You can help older people, but only if they offer their consent, but sadly some of them don’t.”

Roy died on Thursday, August 10.