West Devon Borough Council Swings into Action as Temperatures Drop

With forecasters predicting one of the coldest winters on record, West Devon Borough Council are urging rough sleepers to get in touch.

As temperatures dip to as low as -3 degrees Celsius overnight, the council activated their Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to make sure that no-one has to sleep rough during the coldest nights of the year.

Offers of accommodation have been made to all those who the council know to be sleeping rough, and staff are working closely with local support groups to encourage people to accept these offers.

Cllr Jeffrey Moody, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “The council is working hard to end rough sleeping, particularly during the current cold snap and throughout winter, when the risk of illness or permanent harm is so much higher. If you are sleeping rough, or if you know anyone who is, please get in touch with us so that we can help.”

During normal office hours, the council’s Housing Team can be contacted by emailing SW-Housing.Advice@swdevon.gov.uk. Outside of office hours, the dedicated Street Link Operated Hotline on 0300 500914 is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.