Harrogate council leader's message over issue of begging and rough sleeping behind shop in Harrogate town centre

Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper said it was important not to over-state the problem and pointed to the range of support the town was already providing to the homeless.

"Many people are aware that over recent weeks the rear of Primark on Oxford Street has become a gathering point for people drinking, street begging and rough sleeping,” said Coun Cooper, who was speaking at a meeting of the council’s cabinet.

"To the best of the council’s knowledge three people are sleeping rough in the area.

"They are entrenched long-term rough sleepers.

"I think it is important that we describe how we have been helping these people and how we will seek to help them going forward."That help has

involved the police, town centre businesses, the Harrogate Homeless Project and other agencies.

"The council has offered a variety of accommodation to them including at Fern House – our purpose built move on accommodation in Starbeck.

"Each offer has been refused.

“Eventually accommodation was accepted. However this was extensively vandalised by the occupants who were, therefore, asked to leave.

As part of the council’s on-going efforts to address the situation in a caring but effective way, Coun Cooper encouraged the public to give to Harrogate Street Aid to help change lives.

"I know that caring members of the public are leaving food and coffees behind Primark for the group that have gathered there, ” said Coun Cooper.

"But I can assure people that many of those gathering there – and on Bower Street – have their own accommodation which they can use.

"I cannot fault people for demonstrating their compassion,” added Coun Cooper, who is a trustee of Harrogate Homeless Project.

Founded in 1992, Harrogate Homeless Project’s aim has always been to help people living rough to turn their lives around in the long term, as well as offering comfort and a roof over their heads in the short term.

The Harrogate Street Aid scheme was launched in October 2019 following research conducted by Harrogate Borough Council, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Horizons and Harrogate Homeless Project itself on what to do about street begging in a positive manner.

The first pay terminal for the public was installed in the Oxford Street window of M&S with grants distributed by Two Ridings Community Foundation to help individuals get off the streets permanently.

Coun Cooper said the council would be working to create a new plan for supporting the homeless and tackling street begging.

"The council will continue to work with those sleeping rough alongside our partners to help those gathering in these areas to get the support they need,” said Coun Cooper.

"In this way we can help stabilise what are often chaotic lives characterised by mental and physical health problems, addiction and family breakdown.

"That help will include drawing together a plan identifying how we, as a town centre community rather than individual organisations, can help people access the support they need and receive long-term support.”

The summer saw a new team at the top of Harrogate Homeless Project – chair David Thomas and chief executive Francis McAllister – as the charity prepared to meet the challenges of increasing demand for its services amid the cost of living crisis and the UK’s growing economic problems.

This volunteer-led hands-on charity is now gearing up for its biggest battle and stands ready to expand its facilities if required.

New chair David Thomas said: “Our accommodation was full even before the cost-of-living increases.

“If it becomes necessary to expand our accommodation, we stand ready to work with partners across the public and private sectors to make sure that no one needs to sleep on the streets of Harrogate.

“We are concerned that demand will increase as utility bills, fuel costs and inflation increase costs impact the most vulnerable in our society.

“The increased cost of living, utility bills, fuel and inflation are going to put more pressure on a system that is already under pressure.

“We all need to work together to support the most vulnerable during these unpredictable times.”

The return of a small camp of street beggars in Harrogate town centre is an early sign of the tough times which potentially lie ahead for people who are struggling – and local charities themselves.

Harrogate council leader Richard Cooper is keen to stress that the town has enough support mechanisms in place to offer help to anyone who needs it.

But, he added, big-hearted members of the public should in the first instance donate via the three Harrogate Street Aid tap terminals in the town centre, rather than handing over cash to beggars.

"I would just say that extensive support with healthcare, washing, cooked meals and medical support is available a few yards away at the Springboard facility in the Wesley Chapel,” said Coun Cooper.

"If people have spare cash to support Springboard which is run by the Harrogate Homeless Project – or Harrogate Street Aid through the tap donation terminals around town - which may be a more long term way to help."

The recent Stray Bonfire saw this hard-working charity receive a welcome cash donation from organisers Harrogate Round Table.

For 30 years Harrogate Homeless Project has been dedicated to providing people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living.

But it’s never been needed more than now.