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The council fully appreciates concerns raised by businesses and residents regarding the sudden spike in activity in the town centre, town centre and is doing all it can to address them.

Working with partners, Telford & Wrekin Council is engaging and supporting those concerned while working with Police to enforce its zero-tolerance approach to begging.

Councillor Richard Overton (Lab), Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing & Enforcement said: “I understand how distressing this situation is. If this were happening on my own doorstep, I would want to know that action was being taken swiftly and sensitively.

“That is exactly what we are doing. We are committed to restoring a safe, welcoming environment for everyone in Oakengates — while ensuring that those in need are treated with dignity and offered the right support.”

Residents have already notice the impact and said: "I'm pleased to see the hoarding going up." While another added: "Glad to see to the area has been tidied up."

Supported by the Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, the council has been carrying out anti-social behaviour patrols daily and taking action where required.

This is in conjunction with:

• Homelessness support service visits have been undertaken attempting to engage with those rough sleeping to offer support and access to accommodation.
• Other support services including STARS (substance use services) and MPFT (mental health) have been working to offer support
• Issuing of Community Protection Notices and Community Protection Warnings;
• Two offenders have also been arrested within the last week;
• CCTV across the town centre is being utilised and monitored.
• Hoarding around the theatre and nursery is being deployed imminently;
• Deep cleansing has been undertaken and will continue until the area is secured.

This work will continue until the concerns raised have been addressed. We also continue to make sure that those in need have support available to them.

To report a rough sleeper, please call Telford & Wrekin Council Housing Solutions services on 01952 391925 who will arrange outreach workers visits and engage those who are rough sleeping.

Other useful contact numbers:

• To report Anti-social behaviour (ASB): 01952 384384
  • Police (non-emergency): 101
  • For help during the cost of living crisis: Telford Crisis Support – 01952 586646 / WhatsApp 07592 041666 / email: admin@telfordcrisissupport.org.uk
  • Support for people affected by drug and alcohol in Telford and Wrekin: Telford STARS – 0300 456 4291

The Building Safer & Stronger Communities project empowers people to tackle issues in their communities, for support form the team or to raise issues, email Saferstronger@Telford.gov.uk.

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