Extra support is being offered to rough sleepers in west Suffolk to ensure they have shelter during the cold weather.

A spokesman for St Edmundsbury Borough Council said while the local authority continues to talk with rough sleepers in the area to try to get then to make use of the all year-round accommodation that is available, it has triggered its Severe Weather Emergency Protocols.

He said: “This will see our rough sleeper support team continuing their regular contact with our local rough sleepers and encouraging them to accept the accommodation and support which is available.

“This will be face-to-face wherever possible while we will also be in contact via mobile phone. If for whatever reason we can’t make contact with an individual we will be out and actively looking to locate them to check on their welfare.

“We will also continue to speak regularly to our local partners. All of this is with a view to encouraging people off of the streets and other open spaces into accommodation, especially given the severe weather conditions that we have been warned to expect with the next few weeks.”

He added the council has invested in all-year round temporary accommodation and support and does not plan to open a winter night shelter, although it will keep this under review.

If anyone sees someone they know or suspect is sleeping rough call 01284 757178 or report here.