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24
Dec 2020
Harrogate homeless shelters 'appropriate and comfortable'
When the Stray Ferret reported that the council had created these shelters it prompted a few concerns from our readers.
The units at Tower Street Car Park.
Harrogate Borough Council has defended its temporary homeless shelters after some people raised concerns about their use.
The four yellow container units will be in Tower Street car park in Harrogate for the next three months.
Every local authority is expected to adopt a severe weather emergency protocol, which describes measures to provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers during severe weather.
Cllr Mike Chambers, the cabinet member for housing and safer communities, told the Stray Ferret:
"I have not been inside but they are comfortable and appropriate for someone who needs some shelter for a couple of nights.
"Each of the shelters has windows, heaters and toilets. We have several hostels and we are an exemplar council for looking after homeless people."
Read more:
- Harrogate council creates temporary homeless shelters
- Strayside Sunday: We are treating the homeless as human cargo
New government guidance this year warned of the dangers of coronavirus in night shelters. It also asked local authorities to consider “self-contained accommodation options”.
According to council figures, 29 rough sleepers in the district were taken off the streets during the "Everyone's In" measures in the first lockdown, of which 10 are still being supported by the authority.
When the Stray Ferret reported that the council had installed these shelters it prompted a diverse range of views from our readers.
Some said they were "excellent" and a "good stop gap"; others argued they "looked horrendous" and suggested using other solutions, such as hotels.
Harrogate Borough Council said at the start of December the containers will be in place for three months.
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