“ABSOLUTELY nobody” should be stuck on the streets during the coronavirus crisis, according to Middlesbrough’s Mayor.

Rough sleepers are significantly more likely to have underlying health conditions – including respiratory problems – than the wider population.

Andy Preston said there was no need for anyone in the town to sleep rough during the covid-19 outbreak.

“There’s always a bed for anyone who wants one,” he added. “Those who do normally sleep rough do so, for whatever their reason, out of choice – not because they have to.

“And absolutely nobody should be stuck on the streets amid the coronavirus outbreak.”

It comes after the Government ordered councils across the country to give rough sleepers a roof over their heads last week in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Mr Preston said the council’s street wardens had done a “fantastic job” engaging with the town’s “hard core” of rough sleepers in the past seven days.

The independent mayor added: “They have spent time talking to rough sleepers and offering them immediate accommodation which the council has set up with housing group Thirteen and other key partners.

“We have also extended our service so those who need it can use any public telephone to call a 24-hour freephone number, get a taxi to our safe, warm location, where they can get something to eat, wash their clothes and have a friendly chat.

“All of the temporary accommodation includes their own rooms, while they are also given information on how to stay safe from Covid-19 and who to contact if they need to self-isolate or are symptomatic.”

The mayor also revealed “standby accommodation” for those who need to self-isolate during the covid-19 pandemic was also in the offing.

Mr Preston added: “If the wardens do see any more rough sleepers, they will continue to offer help – even if they won’t engage with the wardens. We won’t give up on them.”

Ministers urged councils to do everything they could to “get everyone in” last week – with authorities told to urgently procure accommodation for people on the streets if they hadn’t already done so.

Several deaths last year put homeless firmly in the spotlight in Middlesbrough.

Last week, Susan Gill, who runs a hub for the homeless in Gresham, praised the council and selfless Teessiders for supporting the vulnerable during the covid-19 outbreak.

But she urged the authority to bid for money to reinstate a “Breaking the Boundaries” team to give tailored support to individuals who beg or sleep rough.

Meanwhile, Labour group leader Cllr Matt Storey asked Mr Preston to reconsider the way he speaks about “some of the most vulnerable people in our society”.

“Extreme poverty and homelessness are not a lifestyle choice,” he said.

He praised the “fantastic work” of council officers and said all the measures put in place are to be welcomed: “Particularly the isolation units to allow those living on the streets to self isolate where necessary.”

He continued: “We all have a tremendous obligation to each other during this time and supporting and helping the homeless is critical, as they don’t have the support networks many of us, fortunately, do.”

Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland Councils also have preparations in place for rough sleepers.

A spokeswoman for Redcar and Cleveland Council confirmed beds were be available if required.

Cllr Steve Kay, cabinet member for health, housing and welfare, said: “All year round we endeavour to ensure emergency accommodation is available for rough sleepers – and for those who are homeless.

“This crisis will be no exception – and for anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19, we are working to ensure accommodation is there for them so they can self-isolate in a safe environment.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Bob Cook, leader of Stockton Council, said the authority was not aware of any rough sleepers in the borough at the moment.

“Our homelessness team is a priority service and is working as normal to help and support people who are homeless, or who are threatened with homelessness, to ensure they have some form of accommodation,’’ he said.

“If you are worried about someone who may be sleeping on the streets tonight, or who is homeless and needs our help, please get in touch and we will assist.”

To report a rough sleeper in Stockton, visit www.stockton.gov.uk/reportaroughsleeper or contact the council’s housing solutions team on 01642 528 389.

Support to help someone homeless, or on the brink of homelessness, can be reached on 0800 1303667.