TWENTY new street survival kits which will help homeless people living rough in Wiltshire have been provided by the Chippenham Area Board.

A grant of almost £1,500, provided by the Area Board, was used to buy the kits which are waterproof bags and include items such as a tin for cigarette ends, a wind up lantern, personal hygiene items, basic utensils, a first aid kit, survival blanket and sleeping bag.

The kits will be given out by homeless charity Doorway, who have been providing them since 2008, and blankets have also been issued to the Street Pastors.

Lisa Lewis, Doorway's chief executive in Chippenham, said: “From the rough sleeper perspective, these survival kits could prevent unnecessary deaths from hypothermia.

“Very often people are coming to us with no previous experience of street survival and can find themselves with literally only the clothes they are wearing.

“By providing a Street Survival Pack, we are ensuring that rough sleepers are adequately prepared for a cold night on the street.”

Councillor Peter Hutton, portfolio holder for public protection and licensing and the Chippenham Area Board, said: “I am delighted that the Area Board has funded the survival kits for Doorway to enable them to continue their vital work with rough sleepers.

“It is also very pleasing to be able to fund blankets for use by the Street Pastors. The Street Pastors will continue to work closely with Doorway to provide invaluable support for rough sleepers.”