A SEVERE Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been issued for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as temperatures plummet. 

The SWEP, activated by BCP Council and partners, is issued to support homeless people in bad weather conditions. 

Temperatures are set to drop below freezing overnight, according to the Met Office forecast. 

BCP Council’s spokesman said: “The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is active from today (19 November) due to cold weather. 

“If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough during this time, please ring 01202 315962 or email B&Pstreetoutreach@mungos.org. 

“BCP Council and St Mungos' outreach teams will be doing extra outreach shifts, finding anyone who is sleeping rough and encouraging them to take up the offer of emergency accommodation.  

“SWEP ensures anyone experiencing homelessness can access emergency shelter and a warm place to stay.” 

The team will carry out extra shifts throughout the procedure to look for anybody sleeping rough and encouraging them to take up accommodation. 

The homeless people who do accept the help may be put into shared spaces across the three towns. 

Sara Turner, service manager at St Mungo's, said: “These low temperatures can kill people who are street homeless and it is absolutely right this is treated as an emergency.

“As ever St Mungo’s teams are prepared to respond to this this critical situation. We will continue to work tirelessly around the clock to ensure that people are brought into the safe and warm.

“During periods of cold and extreme weather it is essential that members of the public, people experiencing homelessness and other support services are all aware that additional accommodation and support is available.

“Anyone who is concerned about a person who is street homeless should contact StreetLink. And, as ever, if someone is in an emergency situation people should call 999.”