A NEWPORT Liberal Democrat campaigner is looking for funding in order to create temporary homes for homeless people in the city.

Created by Newport East candidate Paul Halliday, the scheme could provide short term accommodation within 24 hours of someone ending up on the streets.

Mr Halliday said he believes housing pods will change life for the better and has made it his 'personal mission' to get the scheme underway.

He said: “It truly saddens me that we still have people who have to sleep rough on the streets of Newport and I wanted to create a scheme which could potentially change people’s lives for the better.

“This scheme allows Newport to support its rough sleepers as an alternative to criminalising them and in turn, I believe it will achieve better outcomes for the individuals.”

The housing pods, which are currently being designed, will be fitted with a single bed mattress, an internal chemical toilet, heating, solar powered lighting, charge points and a security key code on the front door.

Mr Halliday said he expects each pod to cost around £2,500 to build.

He added: “We’ve had a lot of interest from businesses and charities who are interested in helping to fund the pods.

“Once designs are finished, we will be looking for sponsorship which we hope will progress to meetings with the council so that we can find ideal locations for the pods.”

Simon Rose, head of housing at Newport City Council, said he backs the idea of the proposed scheme.

He said: “Existing provision needs to be considered alongside any new ways of working and the council is pleased to provide support to schemes and initiatives that help people in crisis.

“It is important to note that only a relatively small number of people who are homeless do not have a safe place to sleep, and unfortunately, some are choosing to rough sleep instead of sleeping in available accommodation or overnight shelter.”

Last week on Tuesday, November 24, Newport council turned down the chance to implement a controversial measure which could have seen homeless people fined for sleeping rough in the city centre.