Bailiffs could be called in to evict rough sleepers

Bailiffs could be brought in to evict two rough sleepers in Bath from a makeshift shelter they have occupied for nearly two years.

The pair have refused all efforts to move them into more suitable housing or sheltered accommodation.

After a previous attempt to force them out backfired, Bath and North East Somerset Council is now looking to use a court order to remove the clearly visible, unauthorised and unsanitary encampment from Green Park amid concerns for their safety. The site, made up of pallets and tarpaulins, is between a steep drop to the River Avon and a busy walkway.

A decision notice set to be signed off by multiple cabinet members says the duo will continue to be offered multi-agency support to try to get them into more suitable accommodation.

It says: “This approach will require a carefully coordinated approach which seeks to support the individuals whilst at the same time removing the encampment following proper legal process and managing the reputational risk of the council.”

The duo have stayed in their makeshift shelters since October 2019 and occasionally been joined by others, with some low level antisocial behaviour reported by the police. There has been regular contact with outreach workers from Julian House, Avon and Wiltshire Mental health Partnership and substance misuse specialists DHI.

After repeatedly refusing support, the council served a notice threatening to remove their possessions. The decision notice says: “This action was unsuccessful in moving the rough sleepers on and contributed to complete deterioration in relations between the rough sleepers and outreach workers.

If cabinet members agree to apply for a county court possession order and the council succeeds it will bring in the bailiffs.