'This is all I've got': Rough sleepers appeal for Exeter pods to remain open over Christmas

• Homeless people in Exeter have told ITV News' Richard Lawrence the pods offer a lifeline for support

A homeless man in Exeter has told ITV News he has been left with no option but to cope on the streets this Christmas following the temporary closure of accommodation pods he's been using.

Four pods in Howell Road Car Park, which offer a safe place for homeless people to sleep, are due to close on Thursday 19 December until the new year.

Exeter City Council said "reduced staffing" has given it no option but to close the pods over the festive season.

But Kebba Sarge, who has lived in and around Exeter for 9 years, is appealing to the council to keep the pods open saying it provides a vital roof over his head.

"This is all I've got," Mr Sarge told ITV West Country.

"If they leave it open, they will save our life, but if they close the pods, we won't eat or wash for days".

The pods were introduced in 2023, to provide a safe place for rough sleepers who had "no alternative accommodation," the council said.

Each pod has a bed, a toilet and a USB charging port, as well as keyless entry and solar powered lighting.

Mr Sarge said the pods offer him a "lifeline".

"If they keep them open, we can help ourselves. We don't have any water, or electric. We don't get any food. It's only the cleaning of the toilet that we won't get".

"We want them to give us a chance, but I can't make that decision. They're professional, they know what they're doing but if they can give us life, it's a life for me".

In a statement, a spokesperson for Exeter City Council said: "The temporary closure is due to reduced staffing over the period, not just at the Council but partners and the ancillary services needed for the pods to run.

"All clients currently living in the pods have been made aware of the closure, and services are working with them to find alternative housing pathways.