COUNCILLORS are being urged to back plans for a new night shelter for Burnley's rough sleepers.

Latest figures for the borough showed there were at least 11 people regularly living on the streets in the town.

And Cllr Afrasiab Anwar, who represents the Bank Hall ward for Labour, has now drawn up a full council motion, asking colleagues to support accommodation for rough sleepers.

His motion also calls upon the authority to work with the community, voluntary and faith sector to ensure the service operates every night of the year.

Cllr Anwar has also praised the work of Pastor Mick Fleming, who has been providing help for the homeless and marshalling to create such a night shelter.

He told the Telegraph the issue had really hit home after he took part in a sponsored sleepout organised by Burnley FC in the Community at Turf Moor.

"It really opened my eyes - I was talking to people who had had jobs, families and opportunities, just like us," said Cllr Anwar.

"But at the moment it is the community, voluntary and faith sector which is shouldering the burden on this.

"We have seen an increase in the number of people needing this service and I believe what we currently have in Burnley is not able to cope."

He believes that Burnley's offering should more closely mirror Blackburn's, where there a number of shelters and hostels for rough sleepers.

"There are a number of individuals like Pastor Nick Fleming and Church on the Street, who are doing great work but the council needs to offer extra support."

Calico has offered homeless support through first the Elizabeth Street Project and then Gateway, the joint venture at the top of Trafalgar Street commissioned by Lancashire County Council.

However Cllr Anwar insists that a night shelter would still help to bridge the gap for a number of vulnerable people.

His plan would see temporary accommodation provided for those with statutory needs, before provision is expanded to establish a 365-day-a-year night shelter, with partners.

Council bosses have said that no-one should be sleeping rough in Burnley because of the range of support already on offer.