SOME of the town's most vulnerable rough sleepers will spend another Christmas on the streets after the opening of a new winter residential facility was delayed.

In September, the cabinet member for the economy and skills, Oliver Donachie, revealed the first details of Swindon's emerging approach to helping the most hard-to-reach among the street homeless community.

Between 12 and 18 individuals identified as needing intensive support and accommodation will be given a bed, a roof and the coordinated care they need for a three month period.

At the end of the project, if they have engaged sufficiently with authorities, the hope is that they will be offered some sort of housing by the council.

The target group would be those who find it hard to cope with the rules and procedures at Swindon's other residential facilities, Culvery Court, Booth House and The Foyer, due to complexities with addiction, mental health difficulties or other personal struggles.

It had been hoped that the project could get up and running prior to Christmas but it now appears the launch date will put off until January.

The Adver understands that the reliance on the voluntary sector led to delays in being able to secure the required number of people to work at the location.

Discussions around safeguarding, particularly important given the volatile nature of some of those being considered for the scheme, also took longer than anticipated.

The facility is now expected to open in early January, operating through until mid-March providing enough volunteers can be found.

Those wishing to play a role must be over 18 and can give as little or as much of their time as they like. No previous experience is required as training will be provided.

There will be an open afternoon next Wednesday from 2pm until 6pm at the former Carfax Street Health Centre where more information will be available.

Cathy Martyn, the cabinet member for housing and public safety, said: “This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community this winter.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more about how they can help with this project to come along next Wednesday.”

Labour also welcomed the initiative, but were critical of the delayed launch date.

The party's shadow lead for housing, Emma Bushell, said: “While we welcome any support we can give to Swindon’s rough sleepers this winter, it is disappointing the council will not open the shelter before Christmas as originally proposed.

"With the weather so cold at the moment, we really need to give these people somewhere warm to stay now, not in a couple of months’ time.

"Because the shelter will not now run for the proposed full three months there will be less opportunity to learn from this pilot scheme and improve the council's future support for rough sleepers.

"With the council still looking for volunteers to staff this shelter, it would seem we are still a little off getting a winter provision for rough sleepers up and running but I would join the cabinet member in calling for volunteers to help make this shelter happen."