Southampton City Council has activated emergency cold weather measures as temperatures plummet.

The council put in place its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) yesterday in response to temperatures dropping below freezing overnight, with the thermometer hovering around 4 or 5 degrees in the day.

The emergency protocol will provide emergency spaces for rough sleepers who want shelter from the cold and are at risk of sleeping in the street.

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The council's Street Homeless Prevention Team is also carrying out more outreach work on the streets to locate rough sleepers and is encouraging those found sleeping on the streets to accept help.  

Those who need it can access the extra help provided at the Homeless Day Centre at 30 Cranbury Avenue, Southampton, until tomorrow at 9am.  

The centre is open 10am-2pm daily, providing facilities such as showers, laundry, a meal, IT equipment, and health advice from medical professionals.  

A council spokesperson said: "If you’re interested in doing more to help rough sleepers in the city, please visit, Street Support, where you can find lots of information and advice about volunteering."