A HOMELESS shelter down to its last four blankets today put out an urgent call for more bedding.Blankets and pans are desperately need by West Villa hostel, currently full with 300 residents, in time for the return of the next cold snap.

A HOMELESS shelter down to its last four blankets today put out an urgent call for more bedding.

Blankets and pans are desperately need by West Villa hostel, currently full with 300 residents, in time for the return of the next cold snap.

Hostel officer Gill, , said: "We are desperate for blankets.

"In the recent bad weather everyone was asking for extra bedding. We get through them because we give blankets and pans out to residents to set up home with when they are rehoused. It might have got warmer but it's likely to get cold again in February."

Anyone made homeless for any reason including fire or domestic disputes can find shelter at West Villa.

The shelter is the town's only statutory provision for people living on the streets.

The hostel, in Woodbridge Road East, has eight kitchens where residents cook for themselves.

Gill added: "We also need more pans as, along with blankets, we tend to give them out when people move on."

The building was first opened in 1899 as the Ipswich Union New Workhouse and during the war was used by the Civil Defence Force.

It became a homeless centre run by Suffolk County Council in the 1960s and was taken over by Ipswich Borough Council in 1977.

Anyone who can donate blankets or pans is asked to drop them off at the hostel at 28-34 Woodbridge Road East at any time.