Cherwell District responds to government's call to help the homeless during the coronavirus pandemic

Cherwell District Council has spent recent days working hard with partners at Oxfordshire County Council, Housing Options, Connection Support, Citizens Advice and the Salvation Army to provide accommodation for all known rough sleepers.

They are being sheltered at locations in Banbury and Bicester.

Should any further rough sleepers come forward the council will be ready to respond and help. As of this afternoon (Monday March 30) 18 people were put into accommodation as part of the programme.

Cllr John Donaldson said: "A lot of hard work has gone in to delivering this very quick turnaround. If people in the Cherwell area know of any further rough sleepers we would be grateful if they notified us.

"In every way people are working together to combat this virus and this is yet another example of communities and organisations coming together in an hour of need."

Members of the public who see someone bedding down or sleeping rough, are asked to report them via the Streetlink website (www.streetlink.org.uk) or by calling 0300 500 0914.

Anyone who is homeless or worried about becoming homeless should call the council during office hours on 01295 227004 or 01295 221531 at any other time.