AS the temperatures drop to below freezing, the severe weather emergency protocol for homeless people has been activated in some parts of Dorset.

Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch councils have all issued the protocol as the temperatures are predicted to stay cold until at least Saturday.

The scheme comes into effect during a period of extreme weather.

In Poole, the United Reform Church on Skinner Street will open the emergency provision at 8.30pm.

A team from the Bournemouth and Poole Rough Sleeper Team (BPRST) will alert the known rough sleepers in Poole and they will be asked to meet outside Skinner Street United Reform Church if they would like to access the provision.

Support staff will be on site throughout the night and a hot meal will be provided.

Verified rough sleepers are able to access the shelter from 8.30pm.

Doors close at 10pm and there will be no access to the shelter for the evening after this time.