The city council and its partners took swift action against the encampments – in Hartshill and Shelton – after the public raised concerns.
Three unauthorised encampments in Stoke-on-Trent have been cleared as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour and criminality.
The city council and its partners took swift action against the encampments – in Hartshill and Shelton – after the public raised concerns.
As part of the operation, nine community protection warnings were issued in response to anti-social behaviour.
Staffordshire Police made one arrest for criminal damage and threatening behaviour, and recovered goods stolen in a recent burglary in Stoke.
The council’s Environmental Crime Unit also cleared a large amount of dumped waste.
Targeted locations included Pyenest Street, Shelton, Hartshill Road, Hartshill, and Stoke Minster.
The city council is committed to reducing homelessness and is currently leading a major multi-agency programme of support. That includes providing more help with access to housing, jobs and training, as well as support for substance addiction and mental health conditions linked to homelessness.
At the same time, the council has a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and anti-social behaviour.
As part of this approach – tackling both causes and consequences - the Rough Sleeper Team visited the sites ahead of the action to assess individual needs and offer tailored support.
Four people were signposted to further help through The Hub.
The Hub - based in Hanley - offers emotional and practical support to those who are currently experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness. Support available includes access to a hot meal, showers, laundry facilities and healthcare. Financial guidance, mental health support, drug and alcohol support and accommodation advice can also be found at The Hub.
The council is working closely with key partners, including Staffordshire Police, Changing Lives, CDAS (Community Drug & Alcohol Service) and other local support networks to deliver both the help and the enforcement needed to keep communities safe and ensure no one is left behind.
Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for community resilience and safety at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Our priority is to support those who are struggling, but we must also make it clear that we will not tolerate behaviour that puts others at risk or damages our communities.
“We all have a responsibility to each other.
“There’s incredible support available in Stoke-on-Trent for those ready to accept help. This work shows how we’re addressing both the causes and the consequences of rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour.
“We’re committed to supporting our most vulnerable residents but everyone has a responsibility to contribute to safe, respectful communities.”
Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Homelessness is a complex issue which we know has been exacerbated over the last few years due to things like the cost of living crisis and housing pressures.
“Locally, there are simply not enough affordable homes available to those on the lowest incomes. But we’re committed to doing everything we can to ensure everyone – including our most vulnerable residents – have a decent place to call home. And we want to make sure that they are being given the support they need to live independently.”
Staffordshire Police Inspector Rebecca Price, from the Stoke South local policing team, said: “We continue to combat crime and anti-social behaviour across the city through our Making Great Places project.
“This includes working closely with partner agencies to help vulnerable residents in our communities and ensure those who need assistance are receiving it.
“I’m pleased we have been able to work alongside the city council to tackle this issue and hopefully allow local residents to feel safer in their neighbourhood.”
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