Sutton Council has passed a motion which would see a homeless charity having temporary access to a vacant theatre in Cheam.

Cllr Tim Crowley and Cllr Tony Shields put the motion forward at a committee meeting on Monday, November 20.

It was subsequently passed meaning Sutton Night Watch Homeless Charity (SNWH) could have access to the Secombe Theatre on Cheam Road for the coming months.

The charity would feed people from the premises, use a shipping container as a storage unit and get medical experts to examine mental health needs of Sutton's rough sleepers.

Currently SNWH voluntarily carries out these actions from outside the windy train station in Sutton by Quadrant House.

Speaking to Sutton Guardian, Tim Crowley said: “It is logical for the Secombe to open three or four nights a week for extra shelter.

“We asked the council can we do anything to help and to take the politics out of it.

“I think the Sutton Night Watch Homeless Charity is incredibly committed to helping people who are less well off.

“They give up their free and I would back them all the way.”

He added that Carole Greig, charity champion of TSB Sutton, who recently announced a partnership with the homeless charity, spoke to them beforehand about a strategy to access shelter.

She told Sutton Guardian it would be a “huge success” if SNWH secured the premises.

“The longer reaching benefit is that other agencies can then become involved and much needed signposting and assistance can take place,” the TSB representative added.

Andy Fulker, director of SNWH, said it was "very positive news" and he has been told the charity will have access to the Secombe Theatre with a date yet to be finalised.