Hertsmere Borough Council has reactivated its severe weather emergency provision (SWEP) with temperatures set to dip below freezing again this week.

SWEP provides temporary shelter for rough sleepers in the borough and is activated when there is severe weather.

It is designed to prevent deaths or serious illness on the streets during periods of particularly difficult weather.

The provision is available for those who would not normally be eligible for temporary accommodation, including people evicted from temporary accommodation or those who do not have access to public funds.

It is set to be in place until Thursday, having been activated for the first time this winter last week.

To qualify, an person must be sleeping rough, which does not include ‘sofa-surfing’ or staying with friends and must have a connection to the borough.

Contact should be made to the council between 9am and 4pm to enable plans to be put in place to accommodate the rough sleeper.