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Press Release

Published on 12 December 2017
Archived on 12 January 2018


Stratford-on-Avon District Council activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) last Thursday 7 December, offering rough sleepers overnight shelter as temperatures dropped across the District.  

All rough sleepers that the District Council are aware of have been offered emergency accommodation and to date the Council has arranged accommodation for 10 people.  

In addition the District Council has decided to open the Stratford Link Project on Waterside from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday to provide somewhere warm for those who remain outside to shelter during the day.  

The SWEP is now expected to remain in place until at least Monday 18 December.  

If you come across anyone sleeping rough this can be reported via Streetlink at https://streetlink.force.com/ who will pass details through to the District Council.    


The District Council's Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is triggered when there is a sustained spell of cold weather. The Protocol was agreed a number of years ago in recognition of the risk that cold weather poses to rough sleepers and is aimed to ensure that no one dies on the streets as a result of severe weather.  

By using the Met Office website, the SWEP will be activated when the forecast is of three or more consecutive nights of temperatures of zero degrees or below. Once SWEP is triggered, a notification email is sent to all relevant partner agencies who may have contact with rough sleepers. The Council's Rough Sleeper Engagement Officer will be actively involved in locating rough sleepers and advising them of arrangements in relation to emergency accommodation.


Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 12/12/2017