EMERGENCY measures have been put in place for rough sleepers as ‘The Beast from the East’ continues to rage across the county.

Councils are encouraging members of the public to come forward to help rough sleepers as the freezing temperatures and snow look set to continue into the weekend

Despite there being no legal protections for people sleeping rough in the UK, a number of councils are offering extra beds when temperatures are forecast to drop below zero for three nights.

Councillor Arshid Mahmood, executive member responsible for neighbourhood at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The council provides support to rough sleepers throughout the year, however, during winter we have pre-arranged accommodation that can be accessed at short notice.

“We urge the public to contact us if they see someone who is sleeping rough. The council’s housing team will offer that person emergency accommodation followed by access to somewhere more permanent.”

A spokesperson for Burnley Council said: “We have cold weather provisions in place for people who are rough sleeping.

“We are part of a network of councils who are signed up to the national website, streetlife.co.uk.

“This is where any member of the public can report issues and concerns to do with rough sleepers on the website, and the information is sent through to the relevant local council.

“In Burnley, over the last few days, we have had two people who have taken up the offer of temporary accommodation due to the weather.”

East Lancashire Hospitals Trust also advised staff to take extra precautions during the period.

With the icy cold conditions set to last for the next few days, the trust took the opportunity to ensure staff check the adverse weather policy for any needed guidance.

Schools in the area have also faced the brunt of the extreme conditions, with 50 closing their doors on Tuesday, and 21 remaining closed on Wednesday.

East Lancashire was hit by more snow yesterday, particularly in the morning.

There were intermittent flurries throughout the day mixed with biting winds.

And the weather doesn’t look set to improve, with forecasters predicting another weather system, Storm Emma, to hit the UK by the weekend.

Anyone who is worried about someone sleeping rough is urged to check their local council website for emergency numbers.