‘Cruel’ Croydon council takes possessions from rough sleepers outside offices

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Homeless people living on the steps of Croydon council’s offices have had their belongings taken and are being forced to move by the authority.

Over the weekend, a notice appeared in the window of the offices in Mint Walk addressed to “the occupiers of the front entrance area of Bernard Weatherill House”.

It said people sleeping outside the offices were trespassing.

Leader of the Labour opposition, Stuart King, called the action “cruel”, and said the council was wrong for targeting the rough sleepers.

The notice claims the people have refused the support that has been offered. It added those who are “newly seeking support” can attend Access Croydon in the council offices from 9am-4pm on weekdays.

The letter reads: “Given this refusal of support and assistance, the council has no choice but to take formal steps to recover vacant possession of the property.

“The first step has been taken to remove your possessions, which have been safely stored. These possessions may be collected the next business day from Access Croydon 9am-4pm.

“Items removed will be stored for seven days and then disposed of. We will also be reinstating regular cleaning of this area.

“Please note that you have no right to occupy the land and therefore we urge you to collect your possessions and vacate the area voluntarily.”

A Croydon council spokesman said some of those sleeping outside Bernard Weatherill House had been moved into accommodation.

He said: “We’re concerned for the welfare of people sleeping rough, particularly as the weather turns colder, and have been working closely with our partners and local charities to help them into shelter and to get support with mental health and substance misuse where needed.

“This has included daily visits to people sleeping outside Access Croydon and we have successfully helped several of them to move into accommodation or appropriate support services.

“The number of rough sleepers is rising across the capital as the cost-of-living crisis is felt by all residents, and we will continue to do all we can to look after them and support them into shelter.”

Pictured top: Bernard Weatherill house (Picture: A P Monblat)