Charity helps 30 sleeping rough a night

AROUND 30 people a night have been rescued from sleeping rough on the streets over the past month, it has emerged.

The Bethany Christian Trust, which runs a refuge between November and April in various city churches, said the numbers were high, but similar to recent years.

It offers shelter and food to anyone who would otherwise be faced with a night on the streets, and is seen as particularly valuable during cold months.

Norrie Webb, the charity’s Edinburgh winter care shelter manager, said: “We’ve learned from the council that the number probably reflects the real number of people sleeping rough.

“Of course there are the occasional ones who prefer to stay on the street.

“But it’s vital they get shelter, warmth and food, especially when the temperatures plummet.”