Shut out: rough sleepers left out in the cold at 9pm
A SOUTHPORT councillor was left furious after learning a service set up to house rough sleepers in Southport and Bootle operates a 9pm cut-off time for entry.
This cut-off point applies even during freezing conditions, according to Birkdale ward Cllr Iain Brodie-Browne.
Two centres, located on Leyland Road, Southport and Merton Road, Bootle, are run by Sefton Supported Housing Group (SSHG), which is contracted by Sefton Council to provide shelter 365 days a year for rough sleepers.
But Cllr Brodie-Browne slammed a policy which means that anyone who arrives after 9pm is not permitted entry. He said he had also been told by staff that those arriving after this time were not referred to other centres.
Cllr Brodie-Brown said he made the discovery after being contacted by a resident who was concerned after seeing a man sleeping in a shop doorway in sub-zero temperatures.
The Birkdale ward councillor said he decided to investigate severe weather provision for homeless services in the town and was shocked at what he found.
He said: “During the day I and others made a serious of phone calls and I have become increasingly angry about what I have found.
“The first thing that we were told – and it was repeated – was that if you hadn’t booked into the service by 8pm then you would not be allowed in (after 9pm).
“Now my hunch is that those actually doing the frontline work may ignore that. Nevertheless it was the information that was being given out and we were told that was the normal practice.
“A quick check found that not to be the case. Whitechapel, who run the service in Liverpool, were quite categorical that they would not turn anyone away no matter what the hour.”
Although Cllr Brodie-Browne said he believed that Southport has ‘‘a good story to tell’’ regarding its services for homeless people, he argued more must be done in the harshest weather conditions.
A Sefton Council spokesman said: “We commission services for rough sleepers through Sefton Supported Housing Group (SSHG) who provide overnight facilities on a 365 days a year basis. Not every local authority commissions such a service.
“Following the comments made, we have raised this with SSHG directly and will discuss their own operational arrangements with them.
“If you see anyone sleeping rough or have any concerns about someone on the street, please get in touch. This is especially important during the cold winter months.
“To report incidents of rough sleeping in Sefton, please call the Rough Sleeper Outreach Team via Light for Life on 01704 501256 or 07918 746042 outside normal office hours and weekends.’’
The spokesman added: “Alternatively, email housing. options@sefton.gov.uk and provide details of location and any description of the person.”
When contacted by the Visiter, SSHG said it was responding directly to the council’s inquiries.