Two new temporary pods installed for rough sleepers in Barnstaple
They will provide an overnight safe haven for two people at a time
Two new temporary accommodation pods for rough sleepers have been installed at Hardaway Head car park in Barnstaple.
It has been made possible thanks to funding secured by North Devon Council and will provide a safe overnight shelter for two people at any one time.
Those who use the pods will receive support from the district's Enhanced Outreach team to allow them to progress into more settled accommodation.
Staff from the council, Devon Partnership Trust, Together Drug and Alcohol Services, the Freedom Community Alliance charity and Northern Devon Healthcare Trust make up the team.
Last month, they provided 13 rough sleeping clients with housing or longer-term accommodation.
There are currently seven rough sleepers in the area, three of whom are refusing the offer of accommodation.
Councillor Nicola Topham, Lead Member for Housing at North Devon Council, said: "We are really pleased to have been able to install these additional temporary accommodation pods in Barnstaple.
"We installed four pods at the Freedom Centre earlier this year and they are proving to be extremely successful in providing a safe haven to some of the most vulnerable members of our community while more settled accommodation is sought.
"Not every rough sleeper will accept the offer of bricks and mortar help, but our Enhanced Outreach team continues to work extremely hard to provide each individual with the support they need, however that looks."
Cllr Nicola Topham - North Devon Council
Residents are asked to use the Street Link website to report a rough sleeper they are concerned about.
Anyone who believes they are at risk of becoming homeless should get in touch with North Devon Council as soon as possible on 01271 388870 or email customerservices@northdevon.gov.uk.