Six unauthorised encampments have been cleared in Stoke-on-Trent as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The city council’s Environmental Crime and Community Safety team and Staffordshire Police’s Problem-Solving Team took swift action against the encampments after safety and environmental concerns were raised by local residents and businesses.
Encampments were cleared in:
- Liverpool Road, Stoke.
- Church Street, Stoke.
- Victoria Road, Fenton.
- King Street, Fenton.
- Leek Road, Shelton.
- Garner Street, Cliff Vale.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We’re committed to working compassionately and responsibly to support people who are sleeping rough, while also ensuring that public spaces remain safe, clean and accessible for everyone. Our teams continue to work closely with partners to offer help to those who need it most, alongside taking appropriate action to address unauthorised sites.”
Sergeant Chris Gifford, from Staffordshire Police’s problem-solving team, said: “Through our increased patrols, we worked alongside local partners to identify and target illegal encampments across Stoke-on-Trent.
“We are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping communities safe across the city and wider Staffordshire.”
Ahead of the clearances, Brighter Futures Rough Sleepers Team engaged with individuals on site to ensure appropriate support and accommodation offers were made available. This included access to temporary housing, healthcare and advice to help people move away from rough sleeping.
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.
“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.”
The operation forms part of the council’s ongoing partnership work to reduce rough sleeping, promote community safety, and improve the environment across Stoke-on-Trent.
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