Parents concerned over 'homeless camp' near school

Parents of children at a primary school in Nottinghamshire say they are concerned about pupil safety after an "encampment" used by rough sleepers appeared just steps away from their school.

The arrangement of tents, shopping trolleys, sheets and cuddly toys sits opposite Round Hill Primary School's infant entrance and Beeston Library.

Broxtowe Borough Council said the encampment had been causing concern in the community but it was unable to remove it as the land was owned by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The county council said it would monitor the situation and take action to provide an "appropriate solution."

Nottinghamshire-based homelessness charity Framework said two rough sleepers were initially at the site but its teams had been "unable" to engage with them.

"Anyone who has been driven to sleep rough is clearly in need of help, however these particular individuals would evidently prefer to be left alone," the charity added.

The site has been active for around six months.

Parents told the BBC they had found needles, blood-stained tissues and faeces in the area, although it has not been confirmed if this is linked to the encampment.

Jessica Baker's six-year old son attends the school and the pair walk past the dwelling every day.

She said: "I understand that people live like this and have nowhere else to go. We are sympathetic. But outside a school is not the right place.

"There's cuddly toys in there, what if our children runs up to them and put themselves in danger?

All of the children who use the entrance are aged four to seven.

Another parent, Helen Wilson, said she worried about the impact on the community.

"It started as one tent, then two, and the camp started growing more and more. It is attracting littering in the area," she said.

"This is a difficult situation and nobody wants to deal with it, but we have to put our children's safety first."

One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said they saw faeces in the area three weeks ago.

"Should a child have to see something like that on their way to school?" they said.

"We just want it removed. Everyone's pointing fingers at whose responsibility it is, and it's getting ridiculous."

In a statement, Round Hill Primary School said: "We are aware that those sleeping rough are vulnerable individuals facing difficult circumstances, and we believe they deserve support.

"However, we must acknowledge the impact this situation is having on our children. There are growing concerns about hygiene and safeguarding.

"We urge those in positions of authority to take effective action to find a solution that supports both the individuals affected by homelessness and the wellbeing of our school community."

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