Winter accommodation for rough sleepers opens

A mobile classroom has been converted into a dormitory for up to 14 rough sleepers

Emergency accommodation for homeless people has opened for the winter in Hereford.

A mobile classroom has been turned into a dormitory for men, while temporary pods are being set up for women on a car park and other council-owned land.

Herefordshire Council said six rough sleepers were booked in on Wednesday night and there would eventually be capacity for up to 22 people.

Will Neville, rough sleeper outreach lead for the local authority, said the facilities were not just about providing shelter, but also wider support for rough sleepers.

"This is about making sure that anyone who's rough sleeping is kept safe, kept warm, but then also has the opportunity to access specialist support," he said.

The converted mobile classroom has been set up on Symonds Street, while two temporary pods are on a car park behind Hereford bus station.

Will Neville is the rough sleeper outreach lead for Herefordshire Council

Additional pods are planned for Symonds Street and at locations in Leominster and Ross on Wye.

Mr Neville said they were designed to be secure and self-contained.

Hot food is also put on at the Living Hope hub, close to Hereford bus station, all of it donated by local businesses or individuals.

• Listen on BBC Sounds for more on this new venue to help rough sleepers

The project is being funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities through the Rough Sleeping Initiative funding framework.

Councillor Carole Gandy, cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing, said the local authority had seen a big increase in homelessness, including the number of families needing temporary accommodation such as B&Bs.

She added that she had been really impressed by the standard of accommodation provided by the pods and dormitory.

Two pods have been installed at a car park behind Hereford bus station