Amid dropping temperatures, Mendip District Council has activated its Severe Weather Protocol for rough sleepers.

Mendip District Council's Outreach Team will coordinate and provide emergency accommodation during severe weather to create safe spaces for people sleeping rough, to leave the streets and take shelter from harmful weather conditions.

SWEP will be opened when the temperature is forecast to be zero degrees or below for at least three consecutive nights.

Mendip's Outreach Team will contact people who are sleeping rough in the area, to encourage them to use the provision.

In the meantime, any rough sleepers are urged to contact the district council on 0300 303 8588 or 01749 677097, as soon as possible.