By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Serious concerns have been raised over the “disgusting mess” made by homeless people living in a Gloucester city centre car park.
Tents and barriers have been put up at Kings Walk Shopping Centre multi-storey car park.
And the space between cars is being used as a “public lavatory” by rough sleepers, according to people who park there.
Gloucester City Council is aware of the issue and a dedicated plan in place to sort out the issue.
But one motorists who contacted the Local Democracy Reporting Service said she was horrified by the “disgusting goings on” in the car park and felt “utterly ashamed of the city”.
“Today I witnessed one of the inhabitants of the carpark using the space between cars as a public lavatory, setting off a car alarm in the process,” she said.
“I am utterly ashamed of the city, considering it is the county town.
“There are many homeless people using the car park as their very own lodgings.
“The mess they are making is disgusting. They have taken up residence in several spaces and installed themselves and put up barriers, flags etc.
“I personally feel quite unsafe when I have to get out of my car to walk to the lift, as would any other single person!
“The numbers are growing all the time and I really think it’s time something was done – people are going to stop using the car park and will eventually stop coming into the city centre.
“This is a terrible situation to find ourselves in and no one seems to be taking the slightest bit of notice of residents’ fears and feelings.”
A spokesperson for the council said a dedicated plan is already in motion to encourage the roughsleepers in Kings Walk car park to find better accommodation.
“People who find themselves homeless in Gloucester have access to a comprehensive range of support services, now delivered by the charity Julian House,” they said.
“They are designed to help rough sleepers and those at risk of homelessness find accommodation and access the services they need. This includes support for people facing challenges such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or domestic violence.
“In addition, the City Council employs engagement officers whose job it is to work with people who are homeless to ensure the support services offered to them are co-ordinated effectively, with the aim of helping them to move on with their lives.
“The Streetlink referral service also continues, allowing members of the public to report concerns about people sleeping rough so they can be connected to help quickly.
“If you know someone who is homeless or at risk, contacting Streetlink is an effective way to ensure they receive the support they need.
“We are aware of individuals who have been rough sleeping in Kingswalk car park, and a dedicated plan is already in motion to encourage and help them move into more suitable accommodation.”