As well as their usual office hours, the teams will provide 24-hour assistance, advice and support to anybody who finds themselves homeless over the festive period.

Emergency temporary accommodation will also be made available by the council.

Councillor Diane Docherty, convener of housing and communities, said: “We are committed to ensuring our residents have somewhere safe and warm to sleep. Nobody in West Dunbartonshire should be sleeping rough this Christmas. Our services will be running 24 hours a day, so if you need assistance please get in touch with us.”

Councillor Caroline McAllister, vice convener of housing and communities, added: “If you have an emergency need for accommodation, I would urge you to contact our offices, even during the public holidays. I’m delighted these important services will continue to operate to ensure nobody is cold and alone on the streets.”

Out with the four public holidays over the festive period (December 25 & 26 and January 1 & 2), our local offices at Church Street Dumbarton, Alexandria One Stop Shop and Clydebank Town Centre Office will operate between the hours of 9.30am and 4pm.

During office hours you can contact the council on 01389 738625 (Clydebank), 01389 77 64 00 (Vale of Leven) or 01389 776409 (Dumbarton).

If you are affected by homelessness when Council Offices are closed you can request assistance by calling our out of hours emergency service on 0800 197 1004.