An empty home attached to sheltered housing could be used as a temporary aid for those in needs, say nearby residents.

The warden’s house at Arthur Bennet Court in Birch Street near the town centre has been empty for some time, according to neighbours, and with concern growing about the scale of homelessness in Swindon at least one resident feels the house should be put to better use.

The elderly neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s a large detached house at the front of the sheltered housing.

“It’s the wardens house but the last one left and there’s now a temporary warden, but they don’t need it because they have their own accommodation.

“I just think that it should be used to help people who need a roof over their head.”

The resident added: “It’s December now, and the weather is terrible and it’s been raining hard and I’ve read about people living in tents in parks. I seems to be that the house should be used to help people who haven’t got anywhere else to go this winter.

“The house has been empty for months and that’s no good for it either - but I don’t like to think of people living in tents in this weather when there could be a place for them here.”

A Swindon Borough Council spokesman said: “The warden’s house at this sheltered housing scheme is vacant because the current warden does not live on site. Additional temporary accommodation is being made available in our sheltered housing blocks to assist with preparations for expected winter pressures by providing accommodation for people leaving hospital.

“In terms of providing accommodation to homeless people, we already offer a whole range of homelessness provision. The Temporary Winter Housing Facility, which was hugely successful last year, has been launched again with the aim of getting an identified group of rough sleepers into permanent accommodation.

A new day centre, run by Swindon Night Shelter, has also recently opened and offers a variety of support services to rough sleepers. As a Council, we have statutory responsibilities to help anybody who is homeless and eligible for help.

We offer an emergency walk-in service at Wat Tyler House between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday and people can also call 01793 445503 any time of the day or night for assistance.”

The Advertiser reported earlier this week that about 20 people were living in tents in Spring Gardens, Faringdon Park in west Swindon near Mannington Roundabout and in Covingham.

In response the borough council tweeted that some of the people in tents in Spring Gardens had already been found accommodation by its housing teams. It added:”Getting people off the streets is never an easy task. Rough sleepers are among the most vulnerable people in society and many find it difficult to engage with the many support services we offer.

“We are aware of the tent in Faringdon Park and we are working closely with the single occupant to ensure they get the support they need."