Authorities have been taking emergency measures to try to protect rough sleepers during this week’s freezing weather.

Cornwall Council, Cornwall Housing, homelessness charity St Petroc’s Society and other organisations who work with rough sleepers in Cornwall, have been providing emergency accommodation and other services.  

Cornwall Housing has been monitoring temperatures closely throughout the winter and has alerted partners over the last few days that Cold Weather Provision (CWP) plans would be put in place.

This Cold Weather Provision, which will be in place until at least March 5, will see St Petroc’s Society Truro Resource Centre operate as a temporary night shelter and Cornwall Housing placing rough sleepers into emergency accommodation where necessary.

Cornwall Council cabinet member for homes Andrew Mitchell said: ‘People who are sleeping rough will be particularly vulnerable in the cold weather, so we are doing all we can to make sure they can access warmth and shelter.

‘Whatever the weather, our goal is to work with rough sleepers to help them to find more permanent accommodation and access support services.’

Residents concerned about someone sleeping rough can contact Streetlink – a 24/7 website, mobile app and phone line which allows anyone who has a concern, to send out an alert about the location of someone sleeping rough. Streetlink will then pass on the information to St Petroc’s Assertive Outreach Team so that they find, engage with the person and connect them with support within 24 hours.