Severe weather plan activated as snow forecast

Emergency measures have been put in place across a county to protect rough sleepers from the cold.

Wiltshire Council is the latest local authority in the west to activate its Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) as snow and ice is forecast.

The measures aim to ensure that anyone sleeping on the streets is offered a room when temperatures dip below zero.

It comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber cold health alert for all regions in England.

The agency has warned that the cold snap is "likely to result in increased use of health care services by vulnerable people".

Wiltshire Council has requested rough sleepers are referred to them via Streetlink or by calling 0300 456 0106, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council will contact all known rough sleepers with information about overnight accommodation, and direct them to services.

SWEP is backed by the government, and Wiltshire Council works with the UKHSA and Met Office when considering whether the temperature threshold has been met.

The measures have also been activated in Swindon, Gloucestershire and Bristol after the Met Office issued an updated yellow snow and ice warning for large parts of the UK this weekend.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.