Blanket ban needles church

Free kitchens must now refuse to give out blankets

Charities are hoping to get around a ban on handing out blankets to homeless people in Nottingham.

Church groups were recently banned from giving away free blankets by the city council.

It said they caused a mess, hid debris such as needles which endangered staff and that there are plenty of spaces at night shelters anyway.

But now six church groups are hoping to introduce a blanket exchange scheme.

Warm bed

Homeless people would be able to bring a soiled blanket to the exchange and receive a clean one.

The church groups are meeting Nottingham city centre's manager on Thursday.

In a statement last week Nottingham City Council said: "We are doing all we can to discourage people from sleeping rough.

"Outreach workers are on the streets at night, encouraging people not to risk their health by sleeping out under a blanket but go to hostels and night shelters where they can get a warm bed for the night and better support and care."