Criminalising homeless beggars and campers

[TonyGosling]

Bristol's homeless campers could have their tents confiscated and face court action

By EsmeAshcroft1 | Posted: January 23, 2016
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/8203-Bristol-s-homeless-campers-tents-con fiscated/story-28590621-detail/story.html

"Parks and public places are not designed for camping and do not have adequate facilities for campers."

HOMELESS people camping in city parks could have their tents seized and face legal action, say Bristol City Council.

It is estimated that there are around 15 people who regularly pitch tents at sites including Castle Park and St James Park, near Bristol bus station.

And, in an attempt to get campers in to emergency accommodation, Bristol City Council has said that those who refuse to move on will now have their tents confiscated.

Anyone who refuses to work with the council-commissioned rough sleeping service provided by St Mungos Broadway, or is deemed to be acting antisocially, will also face legal action.

Nick Hooper, service director for housing solutions and crime reduction at Bristol City Council, said: "As with other cities and towns in the UK we are currently experiencing high levels of rough sleeping and there has been an increase in rough sleepers, including those sleeping in tents, in the city this year.

"The council does not want to encourage large encampments in public parks and other public areas as it often leads to complaints from the public about mess, littering and anti-social behaviour.

"Parks and public places are not designed for camping and do not have adequate facilities for campers.

"Where campers are found in parks and are littering and causing anti-social behaviour enforcement action is taken against them and the tent will be seized.

"Enforcement action will also be taken if people are camping in public places and parks and they are not engaging with the rough sleeping service to move into accommodation.

"The council will also remove unoccupied tents on council land and keep them in storage."

Bristol City Council claim the issue of homeless camps has been made worse by charities and organisations handing out free tents to rough sleepers.

Although warmer than sleeping on the street, the authority say those living in tents are still at risk to the elements and are less visible to agencies trying to provide help.

Mr Hooper added: "[The situation] is partly as a result of individuals and organisations - but not the Council or its commissioned partners - providing tents to assist people who are rough sleeping and help them shelter from winter weather.

"Both the council and St Mungos fully understand the need for people to stay warm and dry when they are rough sleeping.

"However, when people are sleeping in tents the rough sleeping team often find it difficult to engage with them and this can prevent or delay helping people into accommodation.

"Campers can feel more comfortable than if they were rough sleeping and therefore may not engage with the rough sleeper service. Our services are designed to move people off the streets as quickly as possible."

A new rough sleeping task group has been set up by Bristol Mayor George Ferguson and so far 20 extra beds have been opened up in conjunction with St Mungo's Broadway.