Tackling rough sleeping in Shrewsbury ‘a priority’ - councillor
Tackling the issue of rough sleepers in Shrewsbury is a “priority”, according to a councillor.
It comes after claims that shoppers are avoiding Pride Hill because of the increase in rough sleepers.
Councillor Lee Chapman, portfolio holder for adult services, health and social housing, said there has been an influx of people coming into the town to beg over the summer.
It is believed they are coming from cities like Chester and Liverpool because of the number of tourists Shrewsbury attracts.
He said: “Shrewsbury is a honey-pot, it is a wealthy town. It is seen as an opportunity.
“We are seeing an influx of people who are coming into the town and begging, and clearly that is an anti-social behaviour issue. It is something both ourselves and the police have to continue to manage.”
The council also works closely with the Ark – a day centre for homeless and vulnerable people.
The charity’s manager, Tim Compton, said there is a growing problem with people taking the synthetic drugs spice and mamba, which is hard to control.
He said they are making changes to the service to ensure people are making the most of the centre, and not using it as a place to take drugs.
“We want to ensure we are as accessible as possible to use as an opportunity to change,” he said.
“We want people not to just come here and get lunch and leave, but ask what do you want to get out of coming here?”
However, he said the number of people who do not want help has also increased.
