Sleeping pods for the homeless arrive in Newport city centre

Charity Amazing Grace Spaces revealed their pioneering initiative in October 2018, having recorded a rise in the number of rough sleepers in many cities.

And last week, two sleeping pods were sited in the city centre, after a local businessman gave permission for them to be placed on the land at the back of his business.

The pods - which costs between five to six thousand pounds each - are currently occupied by two rough sleepers, who now have access to a bed, light, toilet and phone charger.

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One user said: “It is much warmer. Things are going good.

"It is the first help I have been given in a while.

"If it was not for Amazing Grace Spaces I would still be on the street and in the cold.”

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And designer Stuart Johnson added: “Homelessness numbers are rising drastically, and we are seeing more and more people living on the street in doorways, underpasses, in tents and our town centres while they wait for housing services to either sort out a hostel, housing or even for an appointment. This is not acceptable for the dignity, health and wellbeing of homeless people.

"It is also not acceptable for the community to have to pass these vulnerable people daily and see them sleeping in doorways, passed out on the pavement or being disruptive in the street.”

The charity hopes to increase the number of pods in Newport in the next few weeks.

For more information on the scheme, visit the website amazinggracespaces.org/