City centre tents spark calls for more action over rough sleeping
Several tents have been seen in Gloucester as city chiefs say rough sleeping cases are “often complex”.
Rough sleepers have become a common feature in the city and have been seen in shopping centres, car parks, churchyards and parks.
Gloucester City Council approved plans earlier this year to crack down on unruly rough sleepers after several complaints about anti-social behaviour in King’s Walk car park last year.
The policy aims to balance the needs of rough sleepers with those of the wider community and local businesses.
However, more tents have been seen in different public spaces in recent weeks.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton), who is the cabinet member for community engagement at the city council, said she has seen for herself the number of tents that are around.
She said each case of rough sleeping is different and cases are often complex.
“Often homeless people feel safer when they are in public view and hence the reason why we are seeing them in car parks, church grounds and in our green parks too,” she said.
“Of course we would all want to see rough sleepers in our city housed in warm and secure accommodation, but sadly each situation is different and often complex in nature, some are not ready to hold down a ‘brick and mortar’ property and when they do the support needs to be in place for them to stay on the accommodation that they have readily accepted.
“I think what is important is engagement at every level and a joined up approach between all the great organisations that offer support and guidance to our city’s rough sleepers.
“As the relevant cabinet member at the city council, my focus will be looking at how we can improve bringing these organisations together in a more effective and cohesive way to enable rough sleepers to make the right decisions for them.”
The city council has been approached for further comment.
People who are sleeping rough or at risk of becoming homeless can contact the city council via email at [email protected] or by calling 01452 396396.
StreetLink, who put people in touch with local services, can also be contacted on 0300 500 0914. This is a national service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.