NHS bosses move to evict squatters from surgery
SQUATTERS who have transformed a derelict building into a makeshift homeless shelter look set to be kicked out by the NHS.
Around 15 rough sleepers are currently bedding down in the former doctor’s surgery on Church Street, in Eccles, Salford.
Campaigners say they have taken over the building because there is a ‘huge’ homelessness problem in Salford and rough sleepers can’t always stay at official shelters.
But NHS bosses say the building has been broken into and occupied without consent, so they are taking the squatters to court to evict them.
Volunteers from the Saving People Shelter Project say they just need time to try and get the current residents into suitable accommodation.
Support worker Angela Barrett said: “I know the building doesn’t belong to us but it’s just being used to keep them safe. These people have got complex needs, if they are put out on the streets, God knows what will happen to them.”
The group has been running the unofficial shelter from inside the building since the beginning of November. They have kitted it out with mattresses, electric heaters and even a shower.
And they insist that they did not force entry, instead arriving to find that the doors were open.
Volunteer Jannah Speat said there are currently around 16 people aged 18 to 64 staying in the building.
She said: “The homeless situation in Manchester and Salford is dire. There is not enough support.
“The work we have been doing has been fantastic – we’ve got people into work, onto courses, into drug services and mental health services.”
The support workers say they are working with local charities, the council and the Mayor’s Bed Every Night scheme to refer people into the appropriate services but insist that ‘people are still falling through the net.’
NHS Property Services, which owns the building, is now taking action to evict the group from the building, which has not been used since 2017.
A spokesperson said the building was previously deemed unsafe for habitation and is due to be sold.
“This building has been broken into and occupied without our consent,” they said.
“We are absolutely focused on our role; releasing funds from properties the NHS no longer needs to redirect towards frontline services. We have requested that the occupants vacate the building as soon as possible.
“We have liaised with Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, who have confirmed that there is alternative accommodation immediately available within Greater Manchester.
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