RESIDENTS have voiced their concerns over the growing number of homeless people camped out on scrubland between Prospect Hill and the Redditch Ringway.
The camp consists of around five pitched tents, as well as blankets, sleeping bags, fabrics and plastic sheeting draped over trees and shrubbery.
Residents say that while they do not object to the homeless community camping out in the space near their homes, they are concerned over the increasing number of tents, the lack of water and toilet facilities and the amount of rubbish.
They also said they feared for the welfare of the inhabitants as temperatures plunge.
The authorities and Church are aware of the encampment. Local beat bobby PC Mark Chappell said: “I can confirm that my officers and the Safer Neighbourhood Team are aware of the individuals living in tented accommodation on the land at Melen Street in Redditch.
“I can confirm that my officers have been liaising with partner agencies including Redditch borough council in relation to the welfare of the individuals.”
Reverend Stephen Levett of the Ecumenical Centre spoke of the increasingly visible homeless issue in Redditch.
“I believe there has undoubtedly been an increase in the number of rough sleepers on the streets of Redditch this year.
“We run services for those on the streets at Christmas-time with Redditch Radiate, and the support we’ve seen from the local community has been amazing. But when these emergency seasonal shelters close, where do the people go then?
“Redditch, as a community, does a lot to help the homeless people on the streets and I often see people handing out food parcels and blankets.
“But the real question is what the next step is – what we can do to help the rough sleepers get off the streets?”
The tents and bedding used by those in the camp are also thought to have been donated to the rough sleepers by Redditch residents.
A council spokesperson said: “At the time of publication, senior officers, members, police and partners are set to meet to collectively discuss the best approach going forwards.”
