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Sleeping Rough, Increase in numbers? |
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Dec 1 2012, 11:17 PM
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For whatever reason, according to latest NWN report there are over 40 people sleeping rough in Newbury. It seems that the numbers are growing and WBC is looking at what could be done. That will necessarily take some time. So, in the meantime, particularly as the temperature is about to drop, is there anything we could do, even as a temporary emergency measure to alleviate this problem? Say an empty unit somewhere near the town centre that could house this number, even on a communal arrangement, on a just drop in no questions asked basis?
This isn't trying to work out reasons, or longer term solutions - simply to create a safety net, even if only for the winter.
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Know your place!
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Dec 2 2012, 12:17 AM
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QUOTE (On the edge @ Dec 1 2012, 11:17 PM) For whatever reason, according to latest NWN report there are over 40 people sleeping rough in Newbury. It seems that the numbers are growing and WBC is looking at what could be done. That will necessarily take some time. So, in the meantime, particularly as the temperature is about to drop, is there anything we could do, even as a temporary emergency measure to alleviate this problem? Say an empty unit somewhere near the town centre that could house this number, even on a communal arrangement, on a just drop in no questions asked basis?
This isn't trying to work out reasons, or longer term solutions - simply to create a safety net, even if only for the winter. There's lots of empty office space, (most of it WBC) I'm sure something could be worked out, why dont we ask RG or even our local green party activist to do something instead of them just trotting out the odd post now and again. Let's see some positive action.
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Dec 2 2012, 09:46 AM
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QUOTE (spartacus @ Dec 2 2012, 06:49 AM) The crematorium would be nice and warm this time of year. So much heat going to waste Tasteless comment of the week.
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Dec 2 2012, 10:08 AM
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QUOTE (Penelope @ Dec 2 2012, 12:17 AM) There's lots of empty office space, (most of it WBC) I'm sure something could be worked out, why dont we ask RG or even our local green party activist to do something instead of them just trotting out the odd post now and again. Let's see some positive action. I was on the streets since noon yesterday, raising awareness of the increase in homelessness. I spent some time last week researching the issue and have met around 20 rough sleepers. I've asked for an empty building to be used over the next few months to provide shelter, and I met some great contacts whilst out on the street and hope that we can pull of the different resources together to come up with a plan to try and help these people. I raised 125.30 in donations, and when speaking to Cllr Martha Vickers, it was suggested I give that money to an organisation called loose ends. Thank you to everyone who donated via my website or on the street, it was certainly an experience that I won't forget.
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Dec 2 2012, 10:12 AM
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QUOTE (Richard Garvie @ Dec 2 2012, 10:08 AM) I was on the streets since noon yesterday, raising awareness of the increase in homelessness. I spent some time last week researching the issue and have met around 20 rough sleepers. I've asked for an empty building to be used over the next few months to provide shelter, and I met some great contacts whilst out on the street and hope that we can pull of the different resources together to come up with a plan to try and help these people.
I raised 125.30 in donations, and when speaking to Cllr Martha Vickers, it was suggested I give that money to an organisation called loose ends. Thank you to everyone who donated via my website or on the street, it was certainly an experience that I won't forget. Well done Richard, thank you. You may ( by that one action) have gained my vote for labour at the next election. Well done. Now let's hear what the others have done.
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Dec 2 2012, 10:22 AM
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QUOTE (Penelope @ Dec 2 2012, 10:12 AM) Well done Richard, thank you. You may ( by that one action) have gained my vote for labour at the next election. Well done. Now let's hear what the others have done. Given the opportunity, so will I, although I have to say there are parts of his politics I disagree with, but he makes a refreshing change from the middle class councillors we currently have. He certainly seems more hard working than the others.
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Dec 2 2012, 11:39 AM
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QUOTE (Strafin @ Dec 2 2012, 11:33 AM) I don't think he would have been damned if he didn't. Like I say, I think his reasons are a little cynical, but aren't all politicians actions? At least he follows through, which I have to say is a quality in Richard i rather like. Adrian Hollister, and others, are already being damned for their apparent inactivity in dealing with issues in Newbury, so I have to disagree.
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Dec 2 2012, 01:43 PM
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QUOTE (Adrian Hollister @ Dec 2 2012, 01:23 PM) Used to work there, so I helped out where I can. It's never been a huge problem in West Berkshire (Newbury is only one part of West Berkshire remember). Perhaps you should be wondering how these people got into this situation and why the support was taken away? Perhaps it would be better to know why we have homeless people who have nowhere to go except sleeping rough in this modern society of ours!
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Vexatious Candidate?
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Dec 2 2012, 02:20 PM
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QUOTE (Adrian Hollister @ Dec 2 2012, 01:23 PM) Perhaps you should be wondering how these people got into this situation and why the support was taken away? That is a thought we might ponder. I don't know the answer but these persons have obviously drifted into a downward spiral. They all presumably get financial support from central government in benefits, has that changed?. The effect of alcohol and perhaps drug addiction has not helped I am sure but it is difficult for them to exist without it once they have got below the threshold. Has the unit at the top of the Newtown Hill closed. It was known as the 'Spike' but it did provide shelter, a change of clothes, a bath and bed for the night for those that needed it. Because it had fairly strict rules, no alcohol etc it didn't suit some but that's the rub. Without resolving the source of the problem, it is difficult to help. Personally, I wouldn't know what to do to resolve their problems should they wish to be helped. Collecting a few quid and sleeping out one night although I applaud the effort, will not do it. I'm not sure that providing an empty building will do it either. We have a major problem where jobs are becoming scarcer and the chance of becoming one of the homeless is becoming closer for many of us. Should we as an authority, build an accomodation block in the area, close to town with say fifty or so one room apartments and communal recreation facilities for short term rental. We seem to be able to provide comfortable facilities for offenders at the back of Greenham Common so why not for the unfortunate in the West Berks area.
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