PEOPLE sleeping rough in Carmarthenshire are being urged by the council to come forward for shelter and support.

The call comes as the UK is gripped by extreme winter weather blowing in from the east.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s housing team has implemented its cold weather procedures, and have arranged temporary accommodation for people who present themselves as homeless.

The procedures kick in when temperatures fall to zero degrees for two nights or more.

Although the most recent rough sleeper count in November identified just one person, the council is aware that there may be other homeless people sleeping on the streets who usually refuse support.

“We are urging rough sleepers to come forward,” said Cllr Linda Evans, executive board member for housing.

“Homelessness is something we work hard to prevent every day of the year, but despite the support we offer the reality is that some people don’t want it and are often very difficult to engage with”.

“However, in these extreme conditions we are encouraging people to come to us so we can get a roof over their head and a warm bed”.

“If anyone knows of someone sleeping rough, and knows where they are, we’d appreciate information being passed to them, or given to us so we can offer temporary accommodation, even if only for a few nights.”

People can identify themselves as needing housing or temporary accommodation support at any of the council’s main offices. Alternatively, call 01554 899389 or SCHOptions@carmarthenshire.gov.uk