CITY council chiefs have unveiled their new plan to help vulnerable residents: 'container homes'.

Taking just four weeks to be installed and furnished, these new ‘houses’ are part of a partnership between Southampton City Council and Hugg Homes.

Taking over an unused development site in the east side of the city,  part of the estate will allow those most at risk to get a roof over their heads.

Councillor leader Christopher Hammond labelled the new scheme “a great partnership”, and added that the homes have the same standard as new build houses.

Homes chief Councillor Satvir Kaur added: “As we know we have a national homelessness crisis, the need for temporary accommodation is very high at the moment.

“This is a really innovative way to provide high quality temporary accommodation for families and individuals in need.

She added that the council has already has a “long list” of locals which will benefit from these homes.

Of the 22 houses on the estate, six have been taken on by the council. The other 16 will be rented as private accommodation.