Cold weather sparks emergency rough sleeping plan

Forecasts for freezing temperatures have prompted a council to guarantee rough sleepers short-term accommodation during the icy weather.

Reading Borough Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) alongside homelessness charity St Mungo's and said it would remain in place until at least Monday.

The authority said the response was triggered when temperatures of 0C or below were forecast for at least three consecutive nights.

It comes as many parts of the country have experienced their first snowfall of winter.

Councillor Matt Yeo, lead for housing, said: "We are acutely aware that those rough sleeping on our streets face more threat when the weather turns cold, as it has done this week, and I'm pleased to see SWEP is now in place to protect them.

"Please do report anyone you see rough sleeping via StreetLink so we can ensure they are offered help."

The council is helped with the additional spaces required during the emergency protocol by the Salvation Army, YMCA Reading and Launchpad Reading.

You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.