A BOOM in the number of rough sleepers in Trowbridge has forced charity officials to make an urgent appeal for more sleeping bags.

Up to 10 people are thought to be sleeping rough in and around Wiltshire's county town in the aftermath of Christmas and New Year.

A shortage of sleeping bags has meant Trowbridge-based charity Action on Homelessness has been unable to offer much-needed equipment to those having to sleep rough on the streets.

While residents have been taking in socks and food over the New Year, a lack of donated bedding and flasks has forced the latest appeal.

Charity chief executive Marco Van Tintelen said the Duke Street centre would struggle to meet any further increase in demand.

"We have literally run out of sleeping bags. We had a lot in the summer but some get too dirty while others get stolen. It's the way of the world.

"I estimate there are at the moment between seven and 10 people coming into our centre who are sleeping in their vans or on the street.

"The figure has been steadily increasing over the last two months, so it is becoming a bigger problem. To prepare for any more rough sleepers we need extra sleeping bags and flasks."

Mr Van Tintelen confirmed a cash crisis threatening the future of the homelessness service had been averted.

The charity has merged with Salisbury-based Alabare to help plug a £60,000 cash deficit.

In the autumn it was feared the centre could close by May after a short-term Lottery grant came to an end.

Authorities were unable to plug the huge financial black hole and an open day was held in November to drum up support.

Hard-hitting posters went up across Trowbridge showing the extent of the homelessness problem in the town before the charity started 13 years ago.

From April to September Action on Homelessness provided day shelter for 2,584 people.

Mr Van Tintelen said: "We thank everyone who has shown support."