SOMERSET Council is seeking to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers during the current period of cold weather.

The council have activated their Severe Emergency Provision (SWEP) which aims to ensure that no one dies on the streets due to severe weather.

A spokesperson for the council, said: “Please help to spread the message that suitable accommodation may be available for rough sleepers during the severe weather over this Christmas and New Year season.

“Please check if you can access the service by calling 0300 123 22 24 during office hours and 0300 123 23 27 out of office hours as early as possible.”

Somerset Council say that outreach teams are currently contacting rough sleepers in Somerset to encourage them to take up offer of emergency accommodation and will offer additional support for anyone continuing to sleep rough during .

The SWEP response is used by many local authorities when there is a forecast of zero degrees or below.

Severe weather also includes heat waves, high winds and flooding.

If anyone is concerned that someone is rough sleeping in Somerset during the severe weather, visit Street Link to refer them, so they can get access to suitable accommodation: thestreetlink.org.uk