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Council steps up measures to address homelessness in Aldershot town centre (4 April 2016)

Date: 04/04/2016
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Council steps up measures to address homelessness in Aldershot town centre

Rushmoor Borough Council in Hampshire has agreed a number of new measures to tackle the growing number of rough sleepers and anti-social behaviour linked to some rough sleepers in Aldershot town centre.

The council has been working with relevant agencies to help rough sleepers into accommodation – and set up a special hub in September 2015, staffed by a number of organisations, including Rushmoor Borough Council's housing options team, homeless charity The Vine, Citizens Advice, mental health charity The Wellbeing Centre, housing association Family Mosaic, Inclusion Hampshire and Hampshire County Council's adult services.

A number of rough sleepers were offered temporary accommodation and were also accepted into volunteering roles, work experience and education through the council's Skilled Up programme.

However, the council says that a number of individuals refused to engage with the programme – or when they did, were unable to keep the accommodation that had been secured for them.

As a result, the council will use injunctions to move named individuals on – and will bring individuals subject to court orders back before the courts in cases where they continue to ignore the orders.

There are also plans to start fresh legal proceedings to secure injunctions against new rough sleepers – and CCTV cameras in affected areas will be used, so there can be a swift response to incidents, as well as allowing evidence to be gathered to take legal action against anti-social behaviour.

The council is also working with landlords and shop owners to secure vacant shop premises – and will block shop doorways with planters to stop rough sleepers from using them.

Work with outreach workers and agencies will continue to find long-term solutions for rough sleepers and those who commit anti-social behaviour, said the council – the public is being asked not to give money to individual homeless people but to support local homeless charities instead.

Rushmoor Borough Council's Chief Executive, Andrew Lloyd, said:

“The situation in Aldershot is clearly serious and cannot be allowed to continue – our councillors have made it absolutely clear that they both want and expect this issue to be resolved.

“We will continue to work with those willing to accept our support and to help those who want to be helped off the streets and back into mainstream society.

“But when their behaviour is unacceptable, we will work closely with the police to take action – we want to ensure Aldershot town centre remains a safe, economically active area and these measures will ensure that happens.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing law, including advising on homelessness and council’s obligation to re-house.

There are Duncan Lewis offices across the UK and our housing team are also able to advise on:

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For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.


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