Rough sleepers are damaging reputation of Southport, says local business owner

Rough sleepers are damaging reputation of Southport, says local business owner.

Damien Moore will have to start getting tough on rough sleepers who are damaging the reputation of southport by scattering duvets and rugs across the town.

“They’re treating it like a bedroom” said one furious local shop owner who was stunned to see a homeless man sleeping across the road from his lord street shop in broad daylight and hadnt been moved on by police.

“Ive called the police to get him shifted because he’s been there all morning and frankly its putting my customers off.

“I’ll be on the phone to Damien Moore soon to get him to do something about it.”

Help is available to homeless people and others in need

If you have nowhere to stay, or if it is dangerous for you to return home, or if you will be homeless within the next 28 days you should contact the Housing Options Team immediately.

Housing Options Team, Ground Floor, Merton House, Stanley Road, Bootle, L20 3UU. Tel: 0151 934 3541. Opening Times: Monday to Thursday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Friday 10.00 am to 3.00 pm.

Out of Hours

For people who become homeless when the office is closed, Sefton Council’s Health and Social Care Emergency Duty Team manages the Out of Hour’s service. The service is for emergencies only and can give you general advice and will be able to assist you to find temporary emergency accommodation.

You can contact the Out of Hours service on 0151 920 8234. Monday to Thursday after 5.00 pm. Friday after 4.15 pm and any time at weekends and public holidays.

See also. Light For Life – Southport Housing Centre. Tel: 01704 501256

NB. Nevertheless, how exactly can phone numbers and distant addresses in Bootle help a Southport rough sleeper, or a dispossessed person , with no money or means to telephone for help? Perhaps information dealing with assistance for such people needs posting on billboards etc around the town with a dedicated free phone number. There is however the Samaritans, who offer a free phone help number 116 123.