OUTREACH workers say they are ‘redoubling efforts’ to help rough sleepers after a small camp was built in the entrance of a former shop unit.

Two people are believed to be sleeping in the doorway of Jones Bootmaker in Old Christchurch Road, which closed during the summer.

The pair are reportedly ‘particularly vulnerable’. Sleeping bags and mats, as well as bags and a bike, are being kept outside the shop unit.

As the temperatures drop to below freezing, the severe weather emergency protocol for homeless people has been activated in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.

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

A team from the Bournemouth and Poole Rough Sleeper Team will alert the known rough sleepers in the conurbation.

Petra Salva, director of rough sleeper services at St Mungo’s, the charity contracted to look after the area’s homeless people, said rough sleeping is “dangerous” and lives are “tragically lost” when people sleep outside.

“With freezing weather conditions setting in across Bournemouth and Poole, St Mungo’s local team is redoubling its efforts to help people sleeping rough escape the life-threatening temperatures and move into emergency accommodation,” she said.

“St Mungo’s outreach workers in Bournemouth and Poole will be working with local partners to provide emergency provision for those who could die if not helped inside. People will be offered an emergency bed while staff work to find them more permanent options.”

Many of those who sleep on the streets already suffer with their physical and mental health, Ms Salva said.

“For many people we meet this winter, coming into our shelters could also be a first step towards more settled accommodation for the future,” she said.

Officials at Bournemouth council say they are aware of the two people sleeping in the Jones Bootmaker doorway.

Outreach provision and support is available for “each and every person sleeping rough”, but situations can be “complex” and take time to resolve, the council says.

In December, members and friends of Bournemouth’s homeless community paid their respects to their friend, Carl Lancelot, who died earlier that month.

Well-wishers left flowers and candles following a short service at Horseshoe Common in memory of Carl, 42, who is believed to have died on the night of Tuesday, December 4.

His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Carl was ‘very ill and shaky’ in the days before he passed away, according to reports.

Bournemouth Borough Council said it had tried to engage with Carl on many occasions.

Anyone worried about a rough sleeper should report their concerns via streetlink.org.uk