To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Millionaire Says Two Wheelie Bins Could Make Ideal 'Sleep Pod' For The Homeless

Millionaire Says Two Wheelie Bins Could Make Ideal 'Sleep Pod' For The Homeless

The invention has come in for a lot of criticism

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A millionaire has transformed two wheelie bins into a 'sleep pod', which he says could help improve the lives of rough sleepers. Here he is demonstrating it in the most British way possible:

Peter Dawe, who stood as a candidate for the Brexit Party at last year's election, believes his creation could make a massive difference to the homeless.

However, not everyone believes it's the right way to tackle the problem of rough sleeping, with some slamming his invention as demeaning.

But the 65-year-old hasn't taken the criticism lying down, instead arguing it's better than having to brave the elements without cover.

Speaking about his invention, the tech tycoon says he came up with it while trying create an electric car, also out of bins.

He said: "I saw on the telly rough sleepers complaining they had been kicked and p***ed upon. Lying on the street in a sleeping bag, you are very vulnerable."

Peter Dawe/Triangle News

Then Peter, who lives in Cambridgeshire, decided to screw two bins together and climb in - and he absolutely loved it.

He said: "I was actually quite delighted. It was definitely comfier than sleeping on the ground in a tent.

"It was totally draught proof, in fact it's storm proof. It's really cosy, comfortable and dry."

The inventor then tested out the 'sleep pod', spending 20 minutes inside.

But it's not just about keeping the person dry, Peter also says it's perfect for storing someone's clothes and bedding during the day.

The inventor accepts it's not for everyone. He went on: "It is a Marmite design. Some people think it's genius, others are actually horrified.

"It's denigrating to be rough sleeping - end of story.

Triangle News/Peter Dawe

"I think it is more comfortable and more secure sleeping in a sleep pod, rather than being huddled in a wet sleeping bag being kicked."

He is now canvassing opinion among rough sleepers and has taken a few of his pods to some homeless people outside a night shelter in Cambridge.

Peter plans on returning later this week to see whether or not they are popular.

He said: "It's up to them whether they want to use them or not.

"They were a bit concerned about claustrophobia, but they were interested.

"If you are out there on a wet day or a cold day, and it's more comfortable than the bit of pavement you happen to be residing, I think they will take to it quite well.

Triangle News/Peter Dawe

"Hopefully they will like it, and an awful lot more rough sleepers will have a good night."

If they prove popular, his next step is to make a tutorial, teaching people how to make the sleep pods.

Since his invention hit the news, however, it has attracted a lot of negative comments on social media.

One person slammed: "This is possibly one of the worst and most demeaning inventions I've ever seen.

"Bear in mind that you could buy a cheap tent for that price and it might actually work to sleep in."

A second critic wrote: "People genuinely think shipping containers for the homeless are a great idea. Well this is next level stuff.

"I don't know whether to laugh in disbelief or cry."

Featured Image Credit: Triangle News

Topics: UK News, Interesting