Shelter could reopen after rough sleeping rise

Council officials are in talks to reopen a night shelter following an apparent increase in the number of people sleeping rough in Grantham.

Grantham Ark provided temporary accommodation for rough sleepers between December and February last winter.

South Kesteven District Council's executive member for housing, Councillor Virginia Moran, said discussions were under way with the charity to provide short-term accommodation for rough sleepers, who had become "more visible" in the town.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), it is estimated there are between 10 and 12 active encampments in public open spaces across Grantham.

Speaking during a Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting, Moran said: "Rough sleeping in Grantham has become more visible recently, with tents in public areas.

"All individuals are known to us, though many have complex needs and have exhausted formal housing options."

She said the effectiveness of reopening the night shelter remained uncertain, given past refusals by homeless people to use it and behaviour-related exclusions, according to the LDRS.

The council's head of service, Sarah McQueen, told the committee: "We want to have provision for those that need it.

"We're going to look at trialling it for a bit to see who is interested in taking us up on the offer."

St Vincent's ward councillor Charmaine Morgan said: "Virtually every park within Grantham now has somebody living in a tent."

She added some individuals had been taking drugs, threatening violence, harassing schoolgirls and starting fires.

A meeting with partners, housing officers and members has been scheduled for 23 June to discuss how the situation can be addressed legally, safely, and fairly.

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