Anger at shelter plan for homeless
A Southborough resident has spoken out against a proposed shelter for homeless people.
The direct access night shelter could open by December if plans are approved to use St John's Methodist Church hall on Vale Road.
The Wayfarer Project, a Christian voluntary organisation, wants to create the safe haven for use in winter months. It would provide short-term warmth and safety to rough sleepers from across west Kent.
But Steve Farr, of Sheffield Road in the town, believes local people will be "beside themselves with anger" if the shelter goes ahead.
Speaking at Southborough Town Council last week he said it was not needed: "Where are the homeless people in Southborough? I have lived in Southborough for 10 years and I haven't seen a significant number of homeless people here.
"I don't see or perceive a need for a home for homeless people."
He cited statistics from a study by homeless charity Crisis which stated 81 per cent of homeless people were addicted to alcohol or drugs.
"There will be a lot of people who will be beside themselves with anger.
"This is in a residential area where there are young families, families with adolescents and even vulnerable adults."
Mr Farr was appealing to the town council not to agree to the project.
But Cllr Peter Oakford said the council had agreed "only in principle" and councillors wanted to meet with the Wayfarer Project before deciding whether or not to back the proposal.
Cllr Trevor Poile pointed out those proposing the shelter did not even need permission from the council for the project, as it was only a consultee.
Following the meeting, Wayfarer Project spokesman John Willington told the Kent and Sussex Courier: "We are disappointed that a local resident voiced his concerns regarding the proposed night shelter prior to our having put a planning application before the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, at which time the aims and objectives would have become clearer.
"As we progress through all stages of this proposal, we will of course endeavour to allay the fears of all Southborough residents. Our aim is to create a facility that Southborough can be proud of, spearheading the provision of services, leading the way to alleviating social issues, coming alongside people with homeless needs throughout the borough.
"We recognise that the project, well managed and with support from the local community, will achieve all of this."
There is currently no direct-access accommodation for homeless people anywhere in west Kent and most, if not all, longer-term hostels are full.
St John's Methodist council has agreed to let the Wayfarer Project use the main church building from 8pm to 8am each night as a "dry shelter". Guests would not be allowed entry if they were carrying or had taken alcohol or drugs.
To read the Kent and Sussex Courier's coverage of homelessness in west Kent, visit www.thisiskent.co.uk/homeless.
8 Comments
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by Trevor Long, High Brooms
Monday, April 13 2009, 6:52AM
“Its understandable for people to worry about a homeless shelter being set up near their home.This happened in regard to the Colebrook Road hostel in High Brooms. Everything worked out and the Hostel has become part of the commnity.
The reasons for the refusal of the application were a bit weak
1)detrimental impact on the community is understandable but could be voiced towards any new project.
2)damp problems, would be overcome,as well as the other internal shortcommings.
3) change of use and loos of community facilities. ,I understand the Methodist church is still operating from the church hall next door and is doing very useful community things based in the church(hall) buildings which I assurme would continue.
i live within 50yds of the Colebrook Hostel and realise that its effect is on the locals but these projects have to be housed somewhere and are vital for peopel in need which in most cases is short term.”
by Paul, Southborough
Wednesday, February 18 2009, 2:35PM
“Government statistics state that 83% of the UK¿s homeless are either drug/alcohol addicts, mentally ill or ex offenders, to choose this particular site right by the school bus stop is without doubt the most irresponsible thing I have ever heard of. It does not appear that the people pushing this have thought this though or that they simply do not care for the safety of the children of Southborough at all.
Adequate provision for the homeless is needed but not at the expense of the children of Southborough, please lets find a better site.
In the last three months three of our local homeless have been sent to jail, 1 for murder and sexual assault and 2 for violent crime. The Southborough children who use this bus stop do not deserve to be put at risk.”
by Peter, Tunbridge Wells
Monday, February 09 2009, 2:05PM
“What an incredible, incredible series of comments the guy made. 1. He's technically correct, the homeless don't need homes, to remain homeless that is. 2. The statistics he quoted is not a criticism of the homeless, its a piece of research that basically says we should fund projects like these to reduce the percentage of those on drink and drugs. 3. The reson Southborough doesn't have the number of homeless it could have is because of the council houses there. If government funded homes were not available, we would see far more homeless on our streets, as people cannot afford to own their own homes in this economic climate.
I do think he forgot several points here, for example his real reason for complaining, 'think of the house prices' would be a good way of summing it up. What an absaloutely terrible, terrible person. Still I'm sure he sleeps well at night. I know our homeless don't.”
by Heather Moore, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Sunday, February 08 2009, 9:48PM
“Just ask any explorer what length of exposure and which temps are required before humans get hypothermia. Its only a matter of time before this nation wake up to the facts of a human's basic life needs. If honest each one of us have bad habits/ vices and each asks for help at different stages. Community is when we agree to help one another without bearing grudge. To push toward the better outcome for all society. Having worked at another town's night shelter and seeing the benefits it brought about, I am in no doubt that Royal Tunbridge Wells should provide this most basic service which is notedly overdue.”
by John Hopkinson, Rusthall
Sunday, February 08 2009, 1:30AM
“When plans for the Coalbrooke Road hostel were published local residents claimed the roads would be awash with paedophiles, alcoholics and drug addicts and knee deep in bottles, cans and needles. Women and children wouldn't be safe. All tosh of course. Similar arguments will be used against the winter shelter proposal. Coalbrooke Road hostel has been running for nine years and I don't read reports of mayhem in Coalbrooke Road!”