In recent weeks, tents have been increasingly spotted across Gloucester’s cityscape, including in shopping centres, car parks, churchyards, and parks. This visible presence underscores a growing challenge for city officials and residents alike as rough sleeping becomes more common.
Earlier this year, Gloucester City Council approved a plan aimed at addressing concerns raised by complaints about anti-social behaviour linked to rough sleeping, particularly in areas such as King’s Walk car park. The initiative strives to balance the needs of rough sleepers with the interests of local businesses and the wider community.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, cabinet member for community engagement, acknowledges the complexity of these individual situations. “Each case is different and often involves layers of difficulty,” she explains. “Many rough sleepers feel safer in public spaces, which is why we see tents in car parks, church grounds, and parks.”
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Councillor Trimnell emphasizes the city’s commitment to helping rough sleepers find stable, secure housing. However, she notes that not everyone is immediately ready to transition into traditional accommodation. “When they do move into housing, ongoing support is critical to ensure they can maintain their new home.”
She highlights the importance of collaboration among various organisations offering support, saying, “Our goal is to create a more coordinated and effective approach, so rough sleepers receive the right support to make lasting positive changes.”
For those sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness, Gloucester City Council provides assistance via email at [email protected] or by phone at 01452 396396. Additionally, the national service StreetLink is available 24/7 at 0300 500 0914 to connect people with local help.