CIVIC chiefs are helping the homeless in two Hampshire towns by providing more emergency bedding.

Gosport and Fareham borough councils have teamed up this winter to increase the help available at the 101 Gosport Road hostel in Fareham, run by homeless charity Two Saints.

Instead of simply providing an emergency service, triggered by severe cold snaps, they have made places at the hostel continuously available until mid-April and have also paid for alterations in the building to create more spaces.

Previously, the councils have offered rough sleepers places at the hostel during periods of severe cold and if the hostel’s spaces were all taken, they were offered beds at local B&Bs.

Now, the councils have each paid for five more places to be created at the hostel, bringing the total in the building to 28 where residents get food and access to washing and laundry facilities.

Civic chiefs say the move will mean rough sleepers will have a better chance of breaking out of their routine of sleeping on the streets and staff at the hostel have a better chance of getting to know them and helping them get off the streets permanently.

Councillor Trevor Cartwright, portfolio holder for health and public protection at Fareham Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see Fareham and Gosport working together.

"It’s more than just a shelter though, it’s about providing those in need with the right support and services, to help change their lives for the better.”