Emergency action taken as cold snap hits

Rough sleepers will be offered accommodation as temperatures drop

Emergency action has been taken to support rough sleepers as temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing.

Several councils across the west of England have activated Severe Weather Emergency Protocols (SWEP) to provide extra accommodation to people experiencing homelessness.

Measures are in place in Tewkesbury and Cheltenham on Wednesday and Thursday nights, and across Wiltshire from Wednesday. SWEP is already active in Swindon and Bath & North East Somerset.

Yellow severe weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued by the Met Office across parts of the UK until Thursday.

A yellow cold-health alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is in force for the area until Saturday.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: "This is the first prolonged cold spell of the season, and it is therefore vital to check in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable."

Forecasters at the Met Office predict the mercury could drop to -2C (28F) overnight on Wednesday in Wiltshire, -4C (24F) in Gloucestershire, and -1C (30F) overnight on Thursday in Somerset.

People can use Streetlink to send an alert if they are concerned about someone who is sleeping rough.

Councillor Adrian Foster, cabinet member for housing for Wiltshire Council, said the authority had increased its rough sleeper outreach work as temperatures dropped this week.

"In addition, they will be conducting regular welfare checks on those who decline accommodation offers," he added.

A spokesperson for Swindon Borough Council said they are working with "amazing partners like Booth House and The Haven Day Centre" to provide extra support, and will offer additional accommodation if needed.