Metal fencing looks set to remain outside a Harrogate town centre attraction indefinitely.
The fencing was erected across the entrance of the pavilion in Crescent Gardens on Friday last week to block a group of rough sleepers.
The group had occupied the pavilion for two weeks and returned twice after being dispersed.
The fencing has now been in place for five days and nearby residents, who complained of anti-social behaviour during the encampment, are keen to know what long-term measures are being taken to deal with the situation.
There are also concerns about how long the pavilion will be out of bounds from the public as well as the fencing creating an eyesore in the middle of Harrogate.
The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council, which worked with North Yorkshire Police to disperse the encampment, how long the fencing was expected to remain in place.
A council spokesperson did not give a date but said:
“The fencing was put in place as a temporary measure in response to the issues. Any decision to remove the fencing will be made in partnership with all agencies working on this matter.”
Read more:
- Metal fences put up around Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens pavilion
- Rough sleepers return to Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
The spokesperson said no legal powers were used to move on the rough sleepers, who had turned down offers of accommodation.
They added:
“We followed our unauthorised camper procedure, and following discussions with those in situ they voluntarily cleared the site and moved location.”
Asked what other measures it was taking, besides the fencing, to deal with the situation, the spokesperson said:
“There is a multi-agency approach to this with regular meetings – the situation is being monitored.”
Metal fences put up around Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens pavilion
Metal fences have been put up to prevent people entering the pavilion in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens.
The fences, which appeared this morning, were erected following a two-week occupation of the pavilion by a group of rough sleepers this month.
The group set up camp in the pavilion and have returned at least twice since they were dispersed last Friday in an operation carried out by North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Police
The encampment led nearby residents to express concerns about anti-social behaviour and a lack of action from the council and police.
The pavilion encampment
How it looks this morning.
Read more:
- Rough sleepers return to Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
- Crescent Gardens rough sleepers offered accommodation ‘daily’, council says
The group returned to the pavilion on Sunday evening and again on Tuesday morning — but were removed again both times.
The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Council earlier this week what legal powers it used to disperse the people in the pavilion and what action it planned to take to prevent repeat occupations but has not yet received a response.
Rough sleepers return to Harrogate’s Crescent GardensA group of rough sleepers has repeatedly returned to Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens – just days after being moved on.
The group’s two-week occupation of the pavilion in the gardens sparked concerns about anti-social-behaviour.
It was finally dispersed by North Yorkshire Council and North Yorkshire Police on Friday last week.
However, the group returned on Sunday evening — and again this morning.
Nearby resident Kirk Wilber-Moran said:
“They came back Sunday night but were moved on early yesterday morning.
“However, they came back again this morning and not just in the bandstand — three were stood in an empty shop doorway drinking cider at 6.45am this morning.
“There’s roughly 10 people, some I have seen previously but some new faces too. They’ve not managed to establish a full set-up like before.”
The rough sleepers were removed again this morning.
The Stray Ferret first reported the encampment two weeks ago after residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and a lack of action from the council and police.
Following the move-on operation, residents also wanted to know what measures would be taken to resolve similar situations in the future.
The Stray Ferret has asked the council what measures it has taken to prevent repeat occupations.
Andrew Rowe, the council’s assistant director of housing, said this morning:
“We worked with the police last week to ensure that advice and support was offered to all the individuals who were congregating in the Crescent Gardens.
“It’s important to note that not all of these individuals are homeless or rough sleepers, however, offers of support and accommodation were made to all those who needed it. We understand that despite being encouraged to move on by the police a number of people have returned to the area.
“We will continue to work with all agencies to find solutions to this issue.”
North Yorkshire Police declined to add to a statement it gave last week, which described the situation as “complex” and said it was working with partners and residents to find a solution for everyone.
Read more:
- Rough sleepers evicted from Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
- Reader’s Letter: Who does have the power to tackle rough sleeping camp near Crescent Gardens?
Stray Views: Why no 20mph limit outside my children’s primary school?
Stray Views is a weekly column giving you the chance to have your say on issues affecting the Harrogate district. It is an opinion column and does not reflect the views of the Stray Ferret. Send your views to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk.
While I wholeheartedly support efforts to enhance the safety of school zones, I am shocked and puzzled that Willow Tree Primary School has not been included in these vital plans.
Willow Tree Primary School is one of the largest primary schools in our community, serving a significant number of students and families. It is strategically situated on a main and busy route through our town, making it a crucial focal point for ensuring the safety of our children and all pedestrians. It is baffling to me that, in terms of a risk assessment, Willow Tree Primary School has not been considered as a priority.
As a concerned parent, I witness the alarming and dangerous behaviour of speeding HGV vehicles on most days during the school run. It is evident that the current traffic situation outside our school poses a severe and imminent risk to the safety of our children. It is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs, and we must take proactive measures to prevent such a tragedy.
I am eager to understand the rationale behind the decision to exclude Willow Tree Primary School from these critical traffic safety plans. The safety of our children should always be our top priority.
I have emailed to request that the local authorities reconsider their decision and include Willow Tree Primary School in the upcoming traffic safety measures. I believe that our school’s omission from the plans raises questions about the fairness and equity of the decision-making process.
Why have 20mph where it isn’t needed?
Diesel trains?
Why are diesel trains still being used to Harrogate, when Skipton and Ilkley have had electric multiple units since the 1960’s?
Harrogate’s rough sleepers embarrassing
I have been reading stories regards homeless people sleeping rough in Harrogate.[Rough sleepers evicted from Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens]
I moved to Harrogate over a year ago and am shocked and appalled by the amount of drugs, alcohol and people sleeping rough here. My family came to stay over at the weekend and going into town it was nothing short of embarrassing. There were drunks hanging around near McDonald’s shouting and swearing, what appeared to be drug takers near the bridge not far from the bus station and two men sleeping rough on benches near the cenotaph.
Harrogate has one of the highest council tax bands in the country but it is beyond me as to why?
I will be leaving Harrogate as soon as I can as it is dangerous, noisy and down right embarrassing. Such a pity.
Tracy Baldwin, Harrogate
Do you have an opinion on the Harrogate district? Email us at letters@thestrayferret.co.uk. Please include your name and approximate location details. Limit your letters to 350 words. We reserve the right to edit letters.
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A group of rough sleepers in Harrogate‘s Crescent Gardens has been evicted this morning after occupying the pavilion for two weeks.
Representatives from North Yorkshire Council‘s property services division and North Yorkshire Police began the move-on operation just before 9am this morning.
The council also brought a van to gather the rough sleepers’ belongings.
One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said some people started arguing with the council after they were told to disperse but there was no violence.
He added:
“One or two sleepers appeared frustrated and declined to cooperate, but they eventually started packing and leaving from 9.15am.
“The police were present to ensure the operation was non-violent.”
The operation ended at approximately 9.40am.
Larger items, such as mattresses, were removed by the council.
The Stray Ferret first reported the encampment after nearby residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour last week.
One of those residents, Eileen Dockray, said after today’s developments:
“I’m now concerned that the police and the council, who both tried to pass this problem back and forth between each other, should now come together and work out who’s responsible for dealing with this sort of problem in the future.
“We, the public, also need to know who we can go to for help when a situation like this arises again, as it surely will.”
Read more:
- No resolution in sight for rough sleeping den in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
- Reader’s Letter: Who does have the power to tackle rough sleeping camp near Crescent Gardens?
No resolution in sight for rough sleeping den in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
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
Concerns over encampment of rough sleepers in Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens
Residents have spoken of their frustration over a lack of action against a group of rough sleepers camping in one of Harrogate’s most popular areas.
A group of homeless people have inhabited the pavilion alongside the toilets in Crescent Gardens over the last week.
A Harrogate woman concerned about antisocial behaviour said she had been told by both North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Council that neither had any power to resolve the situation and she kept getting passed between the two.
Eileen Dockray said the group had expanded as fellow rough sleepers and friends joined with their personal belongings.
She said people were coming and going throughout the day and night, adding:
“The council passed me to the police, the police back to the council, and then back the police.
“The police also said they have no power to move people who are just people gathering to have a chat and to drink, no matter how it bothers residents. What are we meant to do?”
The pavilion has become home to the rough sleepers.
Another Harrogate resident, who asked not to be named, said:
“Many local residents are not able to access the area anymore and a few weekly exercise groups have moved to Valley Gardens.
“The walking tour has also diverted its route.”
“I am surprised how the council does not act when a homeless encampment has popped up in the centre of our floral town where many visitors and locals frequently pass through.”
One rough sleeper, called Sally, told the Stray Ferret on Wednesday a council member of staff had visited Crescent Gardens that morning.
Sally said she was advised to wait for a call to hear a range of options going forward but she had heard nothing since.
We asked North Yorkshire Council what measures it was taking but had not received a response by the time of publication.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
“Homelessness is something the council look after so it would be for the council to answer your questions regarding the visit and/or the options available to those who may be sleeping rough.”
Cllr Sam Gibbs, a Conservative who represents Valley Gardens and Central Harrogate on North Yorkshire Council, told the Stray Ferret:
“From what you have told me my instinct tells me it is a police matter as far as the anti-social behaviour is concerned as it is probably private land.
“The council offers a range of support for rough sleepers and work closely with other organisations such as the Harrogate Homeless Project.”
Maggie Gibson, who was housing needs manager at the former Harrogate Borough Council, reported homelessness had “significantly increased” in the district amid the pandemic and cost of living crisis in February this year.
Read more:
- Homelessness ‘significantly increased’ amid cost of living crisis, says Harrogate council official
- Homelessness in Harrogate — what’s the best way to help?
Harrogate rough sleepers are being offered support, says council leader
The leader of Harrogate Borough Council has assured people that support is being offered to rough sleepers on Oxford Street.
In a statement to last night’s council cabinet meeting, Cllr Richard Cooper said he was aware of concern regarding drinking, street begging and rough sleeping at the back of Primark.
Cllr Cooper said that “to the best of the council’s knowledge” three “entrenched, long-term” rough sleepers have been sleeping in the area.
He said they had been offered various accommodation options, including Fern House in Starbeck, which is the council’s move-on accommodation for rough sleepers, a bed and breakfast in Knaresborough and a two-bedroom council house, but all were turned down.
Cllr Cooper added that temporary accommodation was later accepted, but the occupants left.
He said:
“Unfortunately, that accommodation was extensively damaged by the occupants who had to leave it and are now sleeping rough again.
“I know that caring members of the public are leaving food and coffees behind Primark for the group that are gathered there.
“Now, that is often a much larger number than the three rough sleepers I mentioned earlier.”
Cllr Cooper added:
“I can assure people that many of those gathered there and on Bower Street, where we have seen similar issues, have their own accommodation provided by housing associations or the council, which they can use.
“I can’t fault and would never fault people for demonstrating their compassion. I would just say that extensive support with healthcare, washing, cooked meals and medical support is available a few yards away in the Springboard facility in the Wesley Chapel.
“If people have spare cash to support Springboard, which is run by Harrogate Homeless Project, or Harrogate Street Aid through the various terminals around town, then this may be a more long-term way to provide the help that is required.”
Read more:
- Harrogate Homeless Project appoints new chief executive
- Homelessness in Harrogate — what’s the best way to help?
Cllr Cooper, who is a trustee of Harrogate Homeless Project, said the council, along with businesses and other organisations, would continue to support rough sleepers.
He added the help will include drawing up a plan as “a town centre community rather than individual organisations” to identify how to get support to those people.
Concern over homelessness
In August, council bosses raised concern over a “perfect storm” of homelessness in Harrogate due to the cost of living crisis and lack of accommodation.
The authority revealed a “huge” 60% increase in requests for housing help, which has led to more homeless people staying in bed and breakfasts for longer.
The council also said it has had difficulties in moving hostel tenants into permanent housing as cases have been “more complex than normal”.
Speaking at the time, Trevor Watson, director of economy and culture at the council, said these issues combined with a lack of private rental properties in the district were creating a “perfect storm”.
Rough sleepers and drugs found in Harrogate’s PinewoodsPinewoods Conservation Group has urged people to report anti-social behaviour after rough sleepers and drugs were found in the woodland.
Pictures seen by the Stray Ferret show Harrogate Borough Council staff moving a tent, which had been set up in the woods.
Inside the tents were drug paraphernalia and rubbish left in the woodland, including food and sleeping bags.
Other pictures showed graffiti defacing the Pinewoods map.
The graffiti on the Pinewoods map.
The borough council and North Yorkshire Police were both alerted to the rough sleepers this month.
The tents were later moved, however the Stray Ferret understands the process took longer than expected due to the availability of council street cleansing teams.
Read more:
- Police search of Harrogate’s Pinewoods found nobody with a weapon
- Five Harrogate firefighters could lose jobs in plans to reduce service
A man in the 96-acre woodland was detained by police last week after residents reported gunshots being fired. But he was later released without charge.
A spokesperson for the Pinewoods Conservation Group said it had reported a number of anti-social behaviour incidents in recent months.
They said:
“Whilst the recent reported incident fortunately didn’t materialise into anything serious we are still asking our members and visitors to report anything suspicious and any anti-social behaviour to the police via 101, or 999 if an emergency, and Harrogate council customer services.
“We have reported a number of incidents in recent months from graffiti, illegal campers, groups congregating and setting fires plus clear evidence of drug use. It is only with the help of others we can continue to keep the Pinewoods a safe and enjoyable area for the community.”
A council spokesperson said:
“We have accommodation and support available for all rough sleepers.
“Once we are made aware of someone sleeping rough in the Harrogate district, our housing options team work in partnership with the police and partner agencies in an attempt to persuade them to accept support.
“We have hostels in Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough and have most recently opened Fern House in Starbeck, our purpose-built temporary accommodation with 19 self-contained bedrooms. Additional to this, we can offer a complete support package for individuals who are homeless which includes health and wellbeing, support for any mental health issues, financial guidance as well as any further advice or information they may require.
“As a result of this holistic approach it means that we can try to identify the cause of each individual’s circumstances in a bid to help them find permanent secure accommodation.”