Concern is growing over the activities of a Huddersfield-based group that gives out food and clothing to the homeless.

Among those who have expressed unease over Huddersfield Change Project (HCP), which is run by unemployed Dave Kennedy, are charity workers in the area.

They say Mr Kennedy and the HCP, which is unregulated and has no official status, is at risk of doing more harm than good and should not be on the streets.

Some now fear that Mr Kennedy is both exaggerating the scale of Huddersfield's homeless situation and failing to offer appropriate assistance to vulnerable people.

A number of individuals who have either worked with HCP previously or have worked for other charities have contacted the Examiner with concerns.

One, who asked not to be identified, questioned HCP’s approach and refusal to work with other agencies such as Huddersfield Mission and the Welcome Centre.

They said he does not get to the root cause of the problem and is not helping the other organisations in the town.

It is estimated Dave Kennedy's Huddersfield Change Project has received around £10,000 in donations since it was formed.

Mr Kennedy, a former chef who lives in Linthwaite, set up the Huddersfield Change Project in 2015. He actively promotes the group’s work on social media and has a following of supporters and donors who champion his efforts, which involve handing out food, drinks and clothing to rough sleepers.

However, while it operates like a charity the HCP is not registered with the Charity Commission despite successfully raising more than a fifth of its £25,000 target via a JustGiving page to set up a base.

A similar page on GoFundMe has attracted more than £1,200 in donations. Mr Kennedy posted to advise donors that their money would go towards paying a deposit and quarterly rent on premises that have been secured in the group’s name.

Since it was formed it is estimated that HCP has received in the region of £10,000 from individuals, organisations and businesses as well as donations of food, clothing, sanitary and hygiene items, which are stored in lock-ups in the borough. Mr Kennedy also stores items at his home.

Mr Kennedy was sent a list of key questions by the Examiner relating to the HCP but chose not to answer them. He was also twice invited to meet journalists at the Examiner but failed to attend.