Dear all,

I am writing to you in connection, as you can imagine, to the rough sleeping compound that has been created and allowed to continue over the last week in the (former) band stand in Crescent Gardens, as I am sure many local residents have.

Now, I do appreciate that homelessness exists, often through no fault of that person, that said what I am witnessing is unacceptable on several different levels.

Over the past few months, I have made several reports to the council and completed a police report in relation to this situation that we find ourselves in.

Over the last few days, I have witnessed drinking, drug taking, fires, public urination and some rather unsightly behaviour and believe me, I am no prude.

If you haven't yet visited the sight, it really is quite an impressive set up with a double mattress (with bedding), a makes shift/travel wardrobe, chairs, cooking equipment, lighting, there was even curtain hung at one point.... and more liquor than Cold Bath Brewery.

Living so close we are unable to open our living room windows, especially in the evening due to shouting, swearing and often in coherent noise. If you leave the building by car, you have to dodge people half-drunk crossing the road on their way back from the latest 'booze run' or risk a middle finger and colourful language aimed your way.

I do understand that when someone is homeless that they have to find somewhere is that warm and dry however, what is being done to support them and find them more suitable accommodation?

Having read Flora Grafton's article in the Stray Ferret, in which in states that neither the police nor the council have the power to do anything, I would like to know who does? I find astounding that resident's day to day lives are expected to change, we can no longer feel safe walking through the gardens for the fear of being shouted at or coming face to face with someone who is so far gone on drink and/or drugs they have forgotten how to walk.

As a town we have a large tourist industry and one of the great things about coming to Harrogate is the free walking tour operated by Harry, the fact this has now changed route to avoid the area is just beyond words.

It is very easy for all of us to sit in our warms homes or offices passing blame, passing judgement and saying 'it's not my job' but who's job, is it? Who is going to take a stand and do something?

This is a very real situation that needs not just addressing but real action taking for both residents and our new neighbours.

I look forward to your thoughts.

Kind regards

Kirk Wilber-Moran