The new homelessness strategy brings together several agencies

Teignbridge District Council is adopting a homelessness strategy aimed at bringing together all agencies concerned with the problem.

It wants people with a spare room to consider offering it to the homeless as emergency accommodation.

The council held a one-day event to meet those involved with the homelessness issue to see how it could tackle the problem in the future.

We're asking local people, who perhaps have a spare room, if they might be able to offer crash-pad accommodation Charlie West, Teignbridge councillor

One couple, who had been living in a tent in Dawlish, managed to secure their first night in bed and breakfast accommodation after coming to the event.

Key objectives are the provision of emergency shelter, supported accommodation and increasing awareness of the problem of homelessness within the Teignbridge community.

Community and housing councillor Charlie West said the strategy would look at many ways of helping everyone facing problems of homelessness.

"We're asking local people, who perhaps have a spare room, if they might be able to offer crash-pad accommodation in an emergency basis for young people in crisis or to other vulnerable groups.

"We are also looking to work with our housing partners to provide support for those people.

"Other areas do it and Teignbridge wants to do it now."