A HOTEL site in the town centre is being used to house the homeless and protect them from coronavirus.

It can be revealed that the Travelodge, on Kendrick Street, is providing shelter to those in need.

The facility, which will accommodate around 60 people, opened last night, Thursday.

It follows a Government allocation of £545,000 to Labour-run Warrington Borough Council to tackle rough sleeping and support some of the town’s most vulnerable.

Warrington Guardian:

People who are homeless are being housed at the hotel site

The site has temporarily closed as a hotel as its use shifts to getting people off the streets and back on their feet as they look to get rehoused permanently.

It is being staffed by borough council employees, as well as Travelodge and Room at the Inn (RATI) workers.

A number of service users from RATI have been housed at the site.

Council chief executive Steven Broomhead said people are being given the appropriate level of comfort and support.

Warrington Guardian:

Steven Broomhead

He also hailed the ‘excellent’ Travelodge staff for their efforts.

Warrington South Conservative MP Andy Carter has been working tirelessly to ensure those on the streets are provided with shelter.

He said: “The Government have given a clear lead on ensuring we bring everyone on the street in as soon as possible to both protect their health and the wider transmission of Covid-19.

“We’ve given support and funding to ensure anyone who is sleeping rough has access to single-room facilities and can follow public health guidance of self-isolation where they have symptoms.

Warrington Guardian:

MP Andy Carter

“The Government have given funding to Warrington Borough Council to cover this cost, it’s absolutely right that we do all we can to save lives and provide care for some of the most vulnerable people in Warrington.”

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council’s cabinet member for housing, public health and wellbeing, said the priority is, and always will be, protecting the most vulnerable people in Warrington.

“During this difficult time, more than ever, we are committed to ensuring there is the right support available for this vulnerable group,” she added.

“We are therefore working with our partners to ensure there is suitable support available for our people sleeping rough.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from the people, partners and businesses of Warrington in sharing our commitment to support our most vulnerable.”

For information on support if you are homeless visit warrington.gov.uk/housingplus.