Homelessness 'task force' launched in Eastbourne

EBC said the task force has ‘cleared and undertaken a deep-clean’ of the area outside the railway station which has been occupied by rough sleepers in recent months.

An EBC spokesperson said: “The station has become a ‘hot spot’ area for rough sleepers over the last few months due to the station providing shelter and opportunities for begging.

"However, there are serious concerns about public safety, not least the sanitary conditions in the area used by rough sleepers.

“Support has been offered to those who were sleeping rough, including advising on available accommodation.

"Daily checks of the area will continue through the month and beyond. We will be exploring solutions to develop the area longer-term to prevent future issues."

Last month, MP Josh Babarinde raised the issue in Parliament, stating that street homelessness in Eastbourne was ‘more stark than I’ve ever known’.

He said: "I’ve urged Eastbourne Borough Council to do its bit to keep on top of this tragedy, and a task force has been created, bringing together homelessness agencies, station management, the council and others, including myself, to help drive this out.”

EBC said its officers ‘spend a huge amount of time ensuring rough sleepers have access to all of the support available to them’.

"At this time, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated, meaning the rough sleepers are entitled to SWEP accommodation,” the EBC spokesperson added.

"This also gives our officers the opportunity to engage and support people into longer term accommodation.

“These are usually people with complex needs. However, the current rough sleepers at the station have refused all offers of support and accommodation to date - most need wrap around support, including mental health and addiction support, but again, many will not engage fully with this.”

“Our specialist team will continue to work with partners to prevent rough sleeping and homelessness in Eastbourne.

"This will include a positive giving campaign that will urge the public to give to local charities rather than to people who beg.

"We strongly encourage people to donate to local homelessness charities, not give money to rough sleepers, which often causes more harm than good.”

If anyone has concerns about rough sleepers they believe are unknown to the council, these can be flagged at: www.streetlink.org.uk/.