Wilko staff and shoppers 'threatened by aggressive rough sleepers'

Homeless people camping out in the St Stephen’s Place multi-storey in Trowbridge are said to have upset drivers with their antisocial behaviour.

Wilko employees and shoppers tend to use the car park before going into the Castle Place shopping centre.

But some claim they have been verbally abused by homeless people camping out in makeshift beds in the car park.

They say they are "having to step over" some of the rough sleepers when they walk down the stairwell.

A staff member at the Wilko store, who didn’t wish to be identified, said: “They have made camp outside the entrance to the store from the car park.

“I feel very threatened by one particularly. He is very aggressive and I am worried about his behaviour just a few yards from the store.

“We have reported it to the police and we are told they can’t move them on. I can’t understand why not.

“Visitors to the store should not be faced with this at the store entrance.

“A shopper also commented that at times they are sprawled out in the stairwell and have to try and get past them.”

Wiltshire Council says it is trying to persuade the homeless people to move to a new centre that has just opened in Trowbridge.

Cllr Phil Alford, the council’s cabinet member for housing said: “Our rough sleeper team is actively trying to engage with those bedding down in the multi-storey car park to ensure the needs of the individuals are met and appropriate support to find accommodation is provided.”

The council has just launched a new service that will provide a stepping-stone for rough sleepers needing support.

It hopes to move them into more permanent accommodation in Trowbridge that has just opened been opened.

The Bridge is a new service which is managed by the Salisbury-based Alabaré charity that helps homeless and vulnerable people, with a grant towards staffing from Wiltshire Council.

The home can support up to 10 people, who will benefit from stable accommodation and support, including help for people with multiple health and wellbeing needs.

Alabaré plans to adopt a holistic approach to look at the whole person not just specific needs in the support it provides to individuals.

It will aim to address a person’s needs in conjunction with providing support for people who may have experienced trauma.

People will be able to live at The Bridge for up to two years; during which time the Alabaré team will provide support and training to help people successfully manage future tenancies.

Cllr Alford said: “I’m pleased we have this additional accommodation where, in partnership with Alabaré, we can offer our rough sleepers a safe place to stay and support for them to move forward with getting their life back on track.

“This facility is much needed and will be a ‘bridge’ to a new life and better prospects for those entering its doors. This aligns with our business plan for people to be empowered to live full, healthy and enriched lives.

“Moving from being a rough sleeper to having a permanent home and employment can be daunting, but this service will provide the wraparound support for health and wellbeing and the tools to make the changes.

“We know this approach works as it has done many other times in Wiltshire and I look forward to hearing good stories of people moving on in the future.”