Rough sleepers issued notice to leave court site

Rough sleepers who have set up an illegal encampment outside a court building have been issued with a notice to leave.

A number of tents were set up in the grounds of Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court earlier this year.

HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) – the national body in charge of courts - said it had issued a notice informing anyone sleeping on the grounds they need to move on in order to make the site "safe for users and staff."

Bradford Council said its outreach team had visited those camping in the area to offer housing support.

Despite the notice, which was issued earlier this month, several tents reamined at on Tuesday, with one tent appearing to have been burned or torn, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A shopping trolley filled with fabrics and a towel was also next to one of the tents, as well as a large pile of waste, including damaged suitcases, pillows and a chair.

At the entrance to the court building, just a few yards from where people arrive at court, a man was sleeping under a blanket.

A HMCTS spokesperson said: "We are doing all we can to make the site safe for users and staff by making clear individuals on the site are required to vacate."

Due to people remaining there, the service said it was now fast-tracking court proceedings to "try to ensure those individuals leave the site safely and quickly".

It said the council was aware of the situation and was providing support to help those find alternative accommodation.

Jayne Morgan, executive member for housing, said: "The council faces the balance of safeguarding public spaces while also protecting vulnerable people who may be rough sleeping, and who often have highly complex needs."

"I have been in constant contact with the [homeless outreach] teams involved and fully support their efforts to help those who are vulnerable, in a timely yet sensitive manner.

"Supporting these people is a key priority and we will continue to work with our many partners and associated services to offer a wide range of support to anyone who needs it."

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