Two people have pitched tents outside the council's offices in Ebley in the hope of getting it to do more to tackle homelessness.

"It's partly to show them that we're serious about this - we're literally on their doorstep," said Debbie Hicks, who, along with Terry Kevans and dog Ted, have been calling on Stroud District Council to take over empty houses for the homeless.

"It's also to help us connect with who we're trying to help."

Stroud News and Journal:

Over the last month they have been collecting signatures for a petition that demands the council uses special powers called Empty Dwelling Management Orders, which allow a local authority to take over a private building if it has been empty for two years.

The council has yet to use these powers.

"EDMOs are not a solution for all those sleeping on the streets - there are a whole host of complex issues there that each need fixing in their own way," said Debbie.

"But there are some who just need a place to live. The council has the power to give that.

"Housing is one of the biggest issues when it comes to homelessness. It's not affordable and council housing stock is drying up."

The council has said it has "noted" their petition and met with them last week.

But the councillor who heads up housing, Labour's Chas Townley, has defended the council's efforts in response to the petition.

He has previously told the SNJ: “Reducing the number of empty dwellings is a corporate priority for the Labour-led council.

"Whilst EDMOs can be an effective tool to help bring empty dwellings back into use they are not a quick fix panacea, especially where a property is in significant disrepair and requires improvement works and other options open to the council may be more effective.

“I recently met P3 to discuss the support they provide to rough sleepers in the District. P3 identified difficulties either buying or renting suitable accommodation in the local area to enable a comprehensive housing and support package to be provided.

"As a consequence, we will be considering at our December Housing Committee meeting offering them a small number of council homes to help them properly develop their support to this very vulnerable group.”

For tonight at least, Debbie and Terry will be camped outside the entrance to the reception at Ebley Mill.

Terry was homeless himself for a time in the 1980s.

"At least there was proper provision for the homeless in the 80s. It's unbelievably tough being homeless now," he said.