Home at last Couple who were living in tents now have somewhere to live
AHOMELESS couple who had been living in tents in a field in Cheltenham have finally found accommodation.
It is thought they had been living in Weavers Field in the town’s Warden Hill area for months.
Residents living in houses that back onto the field said people had been living in two, and sometimes three, tents there for about five months.
One dog walker at the site said: “They’ve been here since the beginning of the summer. There have been concerns about the rubbish they’ve created and the fact that they’re not supposed to be camping here.”
He added that he understood that the couple had been unable to get a council house because of an issue with them wanting their dog to be in it with them. Other residents had expressed concern about human waste being left at the site, which is particularly popular with walkers and dog walkers from Warden Hill and Up Hatherley.
Cheltenham Borough Council, which manages the field off Caernarvon Road, said it planned to clean up the land. Its cabinet member for housing, Councillor Victoria Atherstone, said: “The council is aware of this couple’s homelessness and have been exploring a range of accommodation options with them.
“Through a multi-partnership approach we were pleased to offer accommodation to the couple and their much loved dog, which they have accepted. The couple are now in their accommodation.
“Cleansing has been requested at Weaver’s Field to collect any residual waste or litter. We’d like to thank our outreach team (P3), Cheltenham Borough Homes housing options and local community for their support.
“If anyone is worried about a rough sleeper, please report it to Streetlink using the website streetlink.org.uk, download the app or call 0300 500 0914. Additionally, the housing options team are keen to hear from any landlords who have properties or rooms available to rent and that would like to work in partnership with the council. Enquiries can be directed via email to housingoptions@cbh.org or by telephone, 01242 387615.”
The couple who were at Weavers Field have been approached for comment. Homelessness has been an increasingly evident issue in Cheltenham recently, with people spotted living in tents in places such as Cheltenham Minster and Court Gardens in Hatherley.
Through a multi-partnership approach we were pleased to offer accommodation to the couple and their much loved dog, which they have accepted.
Councillor Victoria Atherstone