Storm Austen: Eastbourne Borough Council activates emergency protocol for rough sleepers
Eastbourne Borough Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to provide night shelters for rough sleepers.
It comes as the south coast prepares for Storm Austen to arrive.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the Sussex coast from midnight to 12pm on Friday (October 23).
And Eastbourne Borough Council has announced the provision of shelters on Thursday night (October 22).
A spokesperson for the council said: “Due to the forecast high winds, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) has been activated.
“There will be night shelter provision for anyone sleeping rough on Thursday 22 October 2026.
“Our outreach team are working with partners to make contact with people sleeping rough in the area.
“If you see someone sleeping rough in the cold weather, you can make a StreetLink alert to connect them to support services. Your action can save their life.
“Please share this to help spread the word.”