SWINDONIANS are encouraged to have their say on how Swindon Borough Council can tackle homelessness in the future.

A consultation on the council's next Homeless Strategy is open until February 2 to allow people to express their views.

To give feedback visit www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20019/consultations_engagement_and_surveys.

Here's what you told us on Facebook...

Ashley Blackler: “There’s enough empty shops in town for them to have a bed for the night.”

Katie Grey: “Stop closing all the hostels and open more of them which will help them create independence.”

Terri Blackler: “It’s not just about putting a roof over their head, they need support too. Not all are alcohol or drug dependent, they need a safe space, and access to help with their physical and mental health.”

Kit Jones: “There has been a 165% rise in homelessness since 2010. There has also been a recent rise in the number of homes left vacant. I’m sure some of the 200,000 empty homes in the U.K. can be found in Swindon, so house the homeless in them. It’s really that simple, and it’s outrageous that drastic measures are not already being taken to curb this homelessness crisis.”

Matt Dudley: “As someone who has been homeless several times before and has an alcohol issue, I have experience on this subject. You can't help someone who is not ready to be saved yet. Opening empty shops for a place to sleep for the night brings in a raft of red tape such as health and safety (unfortunately) and either volunteers or paid staff to keep it safe. I know "give them a roof" sounds easy but is not as easy to put into practice.”

Zoe Angela: “You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves. I wish all those who desperately seek help to get a home get all the help they need. People can’t be blamed for others actions or choices, but each person’s circumstances are different, so hard to have an opinion.”

Trina Rotti: “I can’t believe in this day and age these people are still forced into the position they are...”

Linzi Byrom: “No one should be sleeping outside in the cold. Those who want help should get it.”

Derek Rutland: “Why not let them sleep in the empty places they have in Swindon when it’s cold like now, instead of leaving them out there to die of the cold. Or end up in hospital only to then go back on the streets.”

Dek Butlin: “Build social housing again , put some low-end infrastructure into the community, instead of trying to maximise profit for private gain as always.”

Sheila James Mitchell: “There should be more safe shelters. There are enough empty shops, why not turn some of these into proper shelters?”

Timothy Howse: “Support networks are vital to rehab and wellbeing. Offering a roof over someone’s head is a good place to start but these people need more than that.”

Marley Beans: “Honestly? I’ve been there. Some of these people are in this situation because they can’t take responsibility over their life or actions, so they cling to other people with bad habits either drugs or shop lifting, something not constructive.

“Without education, support and rehabilitation, the only other option is to send them elsewhere. After moving away, myself, I’ve had to take responsibility over every little decision in my life and take accountability of where it is and is going. It isn’t easy, it’s not a one all fixes all. Everyone has different circumstances, reasons, hurdles and experiences. Supporting them, encouraging them and giving them positive opportunities is a start. Everyone deserves a chance at a better life.”

Cath Giles Brasier: “With all the empty office blocks in Swindon you would think someone would be able to turn one into a shelter for these people. To think that in 2020 and the wealth of this country, there are so many people homeless. Shameful!”

Michelle Thompson: “Build more social housing, create more jobs and support for mental health and learning difficulties. This could happen to anyone.”

Florin Dragos: “They did it in Cardiff, lot of sleeping places for homeless.. guess what? the majority of them preferred to sleep in tents because they could hassle for money and drugs.

“In the social houses they weren’t allowed with drugs, so it was a big no. Majority of them are on the streets because of drugs. Because of drugs they can’t keep a job. Most of them don’t even want a job, they only want more drugs...it’s very sad, it’s a dead end for most of them. Only unconditional love can change these lives... but from who ?”

Ally Jennings: “Some people are homeless because they want to be, they may be running away from something or not wanting to deal with the pressures of bills, running a home, working. Are you going to pick people up and put them in a home? Force them to do something they don't want? You can’t just open up empty buildings for people, what about health and safety? They will need heat, somewhere to sleep, running water. People to supervise. Who's going to pay for all that?! Some homeless are addicts and would rather use drugs and alcohol than have a warm place to sleep. Booth house has these rules in place to protect everyone and if someone breaks these rules then they are kicked out. Each case needs to be judged on its own, not everyone fits in a box.”