Council urges rough sleepers in Bedford to access the help available as temperatures drop below zero

Bedford Borough Council is reminding rough sleepers in Bedford that support and shelter continues to be available for them, as temperatures set to drop below -7 overnight.

Outreach teams respond to reports of rough sleepers quickly from early morning to late evening as well as regular patrols of the Borough.

Offers of accommodation, on-going support and assistance are made to anyone who is rough sleeping. Accommodation is available for anyone to access 24/7.

Bedford Borough Council is encouraging anyone that is sleeping rough or at risk of becoming homeless and needs support to contact the council's Housing Options Team at any time on 01234 718058 or if you do not have the means to make a phone call, visit the council’s Customer Service Centre on Horne Lane during office hours.

If anyone has concerns about someone they see sleeping rough, please contact the outreach teams at www.streetlink.org.uk.

Cllr Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Regulatory Services and Housing said: “No one needs to sleep rough in Bedford Borough this winter.

“Rough sleepers in Bedford Borough have been able to access emergency beds throughout the pandemic and every night throughout the winter, not just when temperatures drop below freezing, but with temperatures dropping so low we are again, encouraging people to get in touch if they need support.”