A SENIOR council boss who branded being homeless "a lifestyle choice" has today apologised for her remarks - calling them "insensitive".

Nina Warrington, who provoked outrage on Wednesday by after suggesting rough sleepers choose to live that way, has said sorry after admitting her "choice of words caused offence".

The admission comes after she did a live interview on BBC local radio in the aftermath of Wednesday's 'yarnbombing' incident which saw homeless activists' scarves controversially removed from Guildhall railings by the council.

After the council took them off, saying the campaigners had not sought permission and that they'd be better off donated to homeless charities, Ms Warrington appeared on the airwaves saying the garments were "supporting people in a lifestyle choice they have made".

Today, she said: "I apologise that my choice of words caused offence and were insensitive.

"The council is committed to working with and supporting rough sleepers and I'm passionately and personally committed to that aim."

She also said the city's efforts in trying to help people stay off the streets "goes above and beyond" its legal obligations.

"I want to urge rough sleepers to take up the services we and our partners provide, so we can help ensure they don't have to spend another night out on the streets in the cold," she said.

The frank admission has been welcomed by activist Hugo Sugg this afternoon, who called her first remarks "crass and insensitive".

The 25-year-old, of Diglis, who slept rough aged 18, said: "I'm really, really pleased about this and very grateful.

"As much as I was angry before, I thank her for this now - let's all work together to make lives better."

He said he wanted to organise a sleep-out event outside the Guildhall over the festive or New Year period with senior council figures and hostel chiefs to help raise more awareness of the plight.

The latest estimated figure showed 27 people to be homeless in Worcester based on council counts.

In the 12-month period up to September more than 1,300 people had contacted the authority for help, with homelessness being prevented in 70 per cent of cases and the rest getting options like temporary accommodation such as B&B's.

Ms Warrington is the council's service manager for strategic housing and has worked at the authority since 2004.

* See our report and AUDIO from yesterday here.