The occupation of the pavilion in Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens by a group of rough sleepers shows no sign of ending.
The rough sleepers, who have refused offers of accommodation, have been living in the pavilion for 12 days.
The Stray Ferret first reported concerns about anti-social behaviour last week.
Nearby residents continue to express frustration while police and council officers say resolving the situation is complex.
North Yorkshire Council told the Stray Ferret last week the people in the pavilion had been “offered accommodation daily”.
In an update yesterday, Andrew Rowe, the council’s assistant director for housing, said:
“We continue to work with our partners to tackle this complicated issue.”
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police, which had not previously commented, said:
“Local officers and PCSOs have attended the location regularly and will continue to engage with the individuals going forward.
“Homelessness is a complex issue that requires the input of a number of local partners to resolve.
“We are committed to working jointly with partners, local businesses, and residents to find a solution for everyone involved.”
Nearby residents remain frustrated by the apparent stalemate.
Kirk Wilber-Moran, who wrote a letter to us expressing his concern last weekend, said this morning:
“Whilst the amount of people there has reduced the armoury of belongings and/or rubbish has doubled, if not tripled, since the weekend.
“We still have people using the bandstand as a hangout base to congregate and drink and are there into the late evening. Still lots of noise and yesterday a woman aggressively shouting at people walking through the gardens.
“Nothing seems to be happening and no one seems to care as it’s not on their doorstep.”
Read more:
- Concerns over encampment of rough sleepers in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
- Crescent Gardens rough sleepers offered accommodation ‘daily’, council says
