HOUSING bosses say they have been able to offer accommodation to some rough sleepers in the borough amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Colchester Borough Homes say they are still working with people who can supply temporary accommodation and are making efforts to contact rough sleepers to temporarily house them.

Those engaged with the rough sleeper outreach team have now been offered places.

The Government had taken the unprecedented step of asking councils to house roughsleepers by the weekend.

Many rough sleepers have underlying health conditions that make them more vulnerable, making self-isolation in the event of infection more challenging.

Chairman of the Colchester Borough Homes board Dirk Paterson, said: “We’re very thankful to our partners for their continued work in helping to house homeless households and rough sleepers.

"By working collaboratively, we can help protect vulnerable residents, as well as the general public, during the outbreak of Covid-19.

"I’m proud that our staff are working extremely hard with the most vulnerable in our society during these difficult times.”

Council housing boss Adam Fox (Lab) added: “I would like to thank partners who are providing safe accommodation to homeless households and rough sleepers during these uncertain times.

"I encourage any accommodation provider that can offer a single-person room during the outbreak to work with us and help keep some of the most vulnerable residents safe”

Anyone concerned about rough sleepers is asked to make a referral using StreetLink online at streetlink.org.uk or through their app.