Help at hand for the homeless when winter temperatures fall

LOCALS are being urged to look out for rough sleepers across Nuneaton and Bedworth as temperatures plummet.

- By CLAIRE HARRISON

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council actioned a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).

SWEP is specifically aimed at helping rough sleepers and comes into force when temperatures drop to zero degrees Celsius or below for three consecutive nights.

It means that the council is obliged to help those who are sleeping on the streets.

Temperatures fell this week with sleet falling across the borough.

The council has listed how people can alert them to rough sleepers.

It has said that during the SWEP period they can help people who may not eligible for assistance under homelessness legislation, do not have a priority need, do not have a local connection or be unintentionally homeless.