HOMELESS people sleeping rough on Bournemouth’s freezing streets could die if they don’t come in from the cold.

That’s the warning from the manager of the town’s night shelter who has urged Echo readers to call outreach workers if they see a homeless person sleeping rough in sub-zero temperatures.

Sarah Ward, homelessness manager for the Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), said the St Paul’s night shelter had brought forward its “winter watch” emergency provision of 10 extra beds because of the cold snap.

“When it gets this cold, it’s about saving lives.

“What BCHA has done for the last six years is to make extra provision in our day centre at St Paul’s, basically to keep people alive.

“It’s seen very much as a humanitarian response. In these temperatures, it’s life and death,” she said.

Sarah urged Echo readers to contact outreach workers at the Bournemouth Street Services Team if they saw someone sleeping rough.

“Homeless people need to get indoors in these temperatures. The night shelter is direct access, which means you can walk up to the door and see if there’s a bed.”

Poole council has provided 16 extra beds since last Wednesday as part of the Severe Weather Programme of support required by the government when the temperature is forecast below freezing for three days.

BCHA also co-ordinates a team of outreach workers in Poole, who work closely with the council, whose hostel accommodation is already full.

Simon Morris, housing manager with the Bournemouth YMCA, said that while the majority of homeless people wanted accommodation, some chose to remain on the streets.

“For some people, it’s a way of life. It can be a habit, and like all habits, it can be difficult to break. My advice would be to admit you’ve got a problem. We can help anybody who wants to be helped.”