COUNCILLORS have stepped in to help homeless people sleeping rough in Sedgemoor - as a cold snap hits the district this Christmas.

Members of Sedgemoor District Council's Executive approved a Smartmove Bond scheme to help the homeless secure emergency hostel accommodation on Wednesday.

The new initiative, boosted by a £15,000 grant from Government, will allow rough sleepers to be given a roof over their heads by the Taunton Association for the Homeless.

But there is concern about the growing number of young people becoming homeless across the district, just as temperatures drop below freezing over the festive period.

Jerry Milton, housing advice manager for Sedgemoor District Council, told the Mercury: “We are becoming increasingly concerned about the relatively high numbers of young people who are approaching the council, clearly at risk of homelessness.

“Most are becoming homeless after being evicted by parents and the reasons vary from parents saying that they cannot afford to keep them, parents divorcing and sadly a small number of young people become homeless after suffering abuse in the family home.”

“It is vital that parents understand how vulnerable these youngsters are despite an outward appearance of being able to cope.”

Under the new homelessness scheme, people will also be able to find private rented accommodation of their own, by giving landlords a bond guarantee in place of the cash deposit - which most are unable to afford.

It is another measure from Sedgemoor's housing advice service, which has helped prevent 256 families in the district becoming homeless in the last two years.

Anyone experiencing problems can contact Sedgemoor District Council's housing advice service on 0845408-2540 or call the YMCA's support staff on 01278-422511.