In her latest column, Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake urges us all to think about those who are less fortunate this Christmas, particularly those sleeping rough following the death of John Whyte earlier this month.

Two years ago, I wrote the following article about meeting rough sleepers. The homeless people on the streets of Macclesfield that night inspired me to stand as a councillor.

Tragically one of the men, John died days before he was due to move into a bungalow last week.

Macclesfield is the 7th happiest places to live in Britain according to a recent survey but not for everyone.

It is 1 December 2018, the first day of advent, World AIDS Day and the Christmas lights switch-on in Macclesfield town. But when the fireworks have burnt out and the crowds have gone home, the streets are empty bar figures huddled in a shop doorway, cardboard boxes double up as carpet, bedding, and windbreakers. 'It's not too cold tonight,' says Matthew, hugging a hot drink and sharing a packet of biscuits with roommate John.

Matthew, in his mid-twenties, is clean shaven, wearing a matching grey woolly hat and cardigan bulked out by layers. He's been sleeping here for 6 weeks after splitting up with his girlfriend. He has no family and can't afford a £2,000 deposit on a house with a wage of £7.50 an hour. Matthew works, he says he has clothes and plenty to eat, but nowhere to live.

John has been on the street for two years; amazingly, he survived the Beast from the East. He is only a year younger than me but looks 10 years older. He's here because his landlord sold the house he was renting. He declines the offer of a chippy meal as there are no public toilets at night. He has one meal a day, so he can use the toilets when the shops are open.

John tells me he has been offered is a room for one night in Crewe but he's from Hurdsfield so wants to live in Macclesfield where he feels safe and familiar.

Both men say people are generous in Macclesfield, they have enough to eat and even have a kettle. It is the first day of advent, the Christmas lights switch on and 6 people including John and Matthew are sleeping in a shop doorway in the 7th happiest town in the UK..

I know as Mayor I cannot solve all the social ills and injustices in Macclesfield or beyond, nor is it in my remit. But what I can do this Christmas is to remind people there but for the grace of God go I. We are all only two of wage packets away from homelessness. So, when you see someone sleeping rough be kind!

Support local charities such as Cheshire Streetwise, who did so much to support John.

The Town Council Finance Committee recently approved a grant of £2,000 to support WHAM, the Winter Night Shelter for local rough sleepers.

For more information and support on homelessness visit the Cheshire East website.