BCP Council has activated its severe weather emergency protocol response (SWEP) as they urge residents to get ‘weather ready’.

It follows a level 3 alert by the Met Office for cold weather, icy conditions, and even heavy snow in the coming days. 

SWEP will see the local authority take additional measures across the conurbation, with a focus on helping those sleeping rough.

This will include implementing extra emergency support for homeless people, provided by leading homelessness charity St Mungo’s.

Councillor Karen Rampton, BCP Council portfolio holder for people and homes, said: “Over the next couple of days severe weather conditions could really impact the safety and wellbeing of people who are sleeping rough, so our teams will be out speaking to everyone who is sleeping rough to try and encourage them inside.

“Unfortunately, not everyone takes up our offers of accommodation during this time and so our outreach teams will be stepping up their efforts to actively encourage everyone to come inside, out of the cold.”

The council’s highways maintenance team will also be out with their gritters if needed, making sure the main routes are sufficiently gritted.

Priority will be placed on clearing routes for buses and emergency vehicles, and maintaining access to hospitals, schools and main roads.

Councillor Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for community safety and regulatory services said: “With the Met Office forecasting icy conditions and even snow, there may be some travel delays on our roads and a small chance of injury from falling on icy surfaces, so I’m encouraging everyone to be weather ready.

“If you must travel long distances, please leave plenty of time to get to your destination or work from home where you can. If you’re walking to your destination, wrap up warm and only venture out if it’s safe to do so.

"Look out for friends and family who may be more vulnerable during this time, ensuring they stay safe and warm, and keep an eye on the weather forecast so you know what’s going on and when it's changing.”