A homelessness charity has warned it is “fully expecting” evictions to rise in Watford after a ban on them ended this month.

During the pandemic private renters have been protected by rules ensuring they cannot be kicked out of their homes.

But since June 1 people can now be given four months’ notice – sparking fears of a spike in those facing eviction locally.

Head of services at Watford’s New Hope, Rob Edmonds, said: “Like other areas in England, with the lifting of the evictions ban we are fully expecting to see an increased number of individual facing evictions, and are already seeing people coming needing advice and support.”

He added the charity is bracing for a surge by refocusing its services at the Haven Support Centre in Whippendell Road and will be specifically targeting forms of ‘hidden homelessness’ such as sofa surfing.

If lockdown restrictions ease as planned, notice periods will return to how they were before the pandemic from October 1, which in England is usually two months.

Mr Edmonds continued: “We believe the key to tackling this is committed partnership working.

“In Watford there has been a proven track record of partnership working led by Watford Borough Council with MHCLG, OneYMCA, Watford Community Housing, The GROW, New Hope, HYH, CGL, Meadowell, CAB and many others”

Having no verified rough sleepers in Watford in January was an example of this, he added.

New Hope staff will be having specialised training around dealing with evictions and other support will be available through Citizens’ Advice Watford.