HOMELESS pods to protect a borough’s vulnerable rough sleepers through the winter will stay in place through the summer and until spring next year.

The special shelters in the grounds of Blackburn's Shadsworth Leisure Centre which accommodate those without a safe place to stay have been operating for the past three winters.

Now with NHS funding they will remain on site until at least March 2024.

The scheme was introduced in 2020 as part of the government’s winter Protect Programme.

Blackburn with Darwen council's public health boss Damian Talbot has now revealed the authority will extend the availability of the pods until March 2024.

Normally only available in the winter months from November to March, the move has been prompted by the success of the programme in supporting vulnerable residents and reducing the number of rough sleepers in the borough to single figures and on some nights none.

Stuart Grisdale, one of the council team that supporting pod residents, said: “This is a fantastic news.

"The support we provide can help stabilise some of our most vulnerable residents improving their physical and mental health and supporting them to gradually re-integrate into wider society and eventually maintain their own tenancy.”

Cllr Talbot said: "I am delighted that with support from the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board we will be able to maintain our Shadsworth rough sleeping pod provision through from the end of March into next winter.

"These pods have without doubt proved a lifesaver to individuals who would otherwise have been on the streets and very vulnerable.

"The pod provision, with dedicated support workers, has enabled us to work with individuals with a view to securing both longer term accommodation and wider support for challenges they have faced."

His Conservative group shadow Cllr Derek Hardman said: "This is a positive move to help some of the most vulnerable people in the borough.

"It will improve the appearance of the town centre.

"We get a lot of complaints when there are people sleeping on the streets and in shop doorways and begging."

Claire Richardson, from the Integrated Care Board said: “We are starting to see some great outcomes for the local people being supported through the homeless pods.”

Mark Warren, Blackburn with Darwen Council's director of adults and health, said: “We are pleased that for the first time we will be able to provide this service year round.

"What we have been able to achieve for some of the most chaotic and disadvantaged residents of Blackburn with Darwen has been fantastic."