Police consider action as residents fed up with town centre squatters

Rough sleepers have been seeking shelter in the car park at Ushers Court, Trowbridge, for several years and are leaving drug paraphernalia, including needles, bottles and cans on the ground.

Two years ago, the Wiltshire Times reported claims that it had become a ‘doss house’ and a ‘drugs den’ for homeless people.

A resident at Ushers Court claims rough sleepers have been bedding down in the electricity cupboard. (Image: Freelancer)

Now, another resident has accused Wiltshire Police and the property managers SW Relocations Ltd, of Almondsbury near Bristol, of doing little to stop it.

The man, whose name is being withheld, said: “For years now we've been suffering with homeless people squatting in our car park, hiding behind cars and taking all manner of stuff.

“I've been on and on to the property managers in the hope that something is being done about this but all I get is a canned response of 'police will attend every now and again'. I haven't seen one officer in the past two years attending the area.

“Quite frankly, I'm getting fed up with having to shoo these people away for the safety of my family.

Homeless people have littered parts of the car park with bottles, cans and drugs paraphernalia, including needles. (Image: Freelancer)

“My daughter's complaining about the smell every time we go to the car, we're finding needles, rubbish, paraphernalia, and watching people crouch and hide behind cars has lost its sense of enjoyment.

“They've managed to get into the electrical cupboard a couple of times now and have used that as a squat and somewhere to sleep but that's now been locked up for the third time, until the next time.”

In December 2022, the Times reported claims that some tenants were afraid to go to their vehicles because of rough sleepers using drugs and alcohol and urinating against walls.

Denise Davis, from Chippenham, who owns several apartments at Ushers Court, said: “I have not had any complaints from tenants for a long time.

"We have had a change of management who seem to be more on the ball compared to the management company that we there before.

“There is a lot of issues being addressed that weren’t addressed before."

SW Relocations Ltd succeeded Andrews Leasehold Management as the Ushers Court property managers in 2023. The company has been approached for a comment.

The apartment block is run by The Ushers Apartments (Trowbridge) (Management) Co Ltd, which has three directors linked to SW Relocations Ltd’s address in Almondsbury.

Residents have complained abut the smells in the car park, which appears to be used as a toilet by some of the homeless people. (Image: Freelancer)

Inspector Andy Lemon, of Wiltshire Police, said: “Despite the best efforts of Wiltshire Police, working in partnership with the local authority (Homeless Team), the individuals involved continually refuse to engage or accept help that is offered to them.

“My officers will always react to the concerns of the public and business alike, and we understand that there is a link between anti-social behaviour and criminality.

"The police will use its powers and undertake enforcement when it’s required and necessary.

“We do however request that the public and business community continue to report issues direct to the police so that we can make an assessment and understand the issues to ensure the response is proportionate and effective.

"We have recently made arrests for burglary offences following a series of business premises being targeted in Trowbridge town centre.  We are focusing on business crime within Trowbridge and deploying the Mobile Police Station in the town centre this week, as well as increasing high visibility patrols.

“If you have concerns please come and speak to one of my officers or call us on 101, or 999 in an emergency. You can also report concerns to us through our website.”