Sheffield homeless man’s camp removed from shopping area after complaints of anti-social behaviour
The encampment was cleared off Ellesmere Green in Burngreave yesterday
A homeless man has been removed from where he had been camped on grass in Sheffield, following complaints from nearby shopkeepers and allegedly threatening a councillor and his son.
The encampment was cleared off Ellesmere Green in Burngreave yesterday (August 18) and police were in attendance.
Sheffield City Council Burngreave ward councillor Mustafa Ahmed said that he has been visiting the man since May, when he was elected, to offer support with the problems that had led to him becoming homeless.
He said that all offers of help and support were rejected in no uncertain terms.
Coun Ahmed said that he has received many complaints from the shopkeepers on Ellesmere Green, which is on Burngreave Road near Spital Hill.
They say that the encampment is attracting people who have been causing anti-social behaviour and that smoke from a fire is also putting off customers from visiting their shops.
As a result, the camp has been cleared three times by council staff, supported by police.
Coun Ahmed said: “Residents have approached me in the street to ask me ‘what are you going to do about him, he needs to be removed from this area. He’s bringing rough sleepers to Ellesmere Green’.”
He said that the man has previously shouted abuse at him and his young son, who has autism. He called Coun Ahmed a “snitch” on another occasion when he was walking by and said he wished his son was dead.
South Yorkshire Police said no-one has been arrested or charged.