Winchester News Online
Homeless people facing challenging times due to pandemic
More rough sleepers could be out on the streets this winter due to coronavirus, according to a Winchester homeless charity.
Winchester Churches Nightshelter (WCNS) , a charity that provides temporary homes for rough sleepers, says the second lockdown could be challenging.
During the first lockdown, government regulations meant that capacity at shelters had to be reduced to keep residents safe. WCNS Chief Executive, Michele Price, said: “This was a difficult decision, as it meant accommodating fewer residents. Thankfully, no existing residents lost their bed.”
When the country first went into lockdown, rough sleepers everywhere were very quickly put into temporary accommodation through charities, hostels, and hotels. However, the pandemic has delayed the possibility of rough sleepers finding their feet quickly after temporary accommodation.
Earlier this week, Winchester Churches Nightshelter hosted a webinar to discuss how homelessness has been dealt with during the pandemic with other shelters across the country.
At the event it was revealed that many rough sleepers had lost their bed spaces during lockdown and some shelters had to close.
Previous resident, Howard, speaking on a video that was screened at the event said: “The shelter really helped me. Helping me with a passport and getting me a room to rent.
“If I didn’t have them, I’d probably be getting paralytic. I don’t know where I’d be, probably dead – maybe prison.”
Adaptations were made to fit the government guidelines for Covid. Staff and residents are now always stay on site, with a limited number of people allowed in areas to ensure that social distancing can be maintained. They adapted “overnight” to allow this to happen and “acted as one large household.”
With winter looming, and a current second national lockdown, it is even more important that people remember to look out and care for rough sleepers. Ms. Price said: “It’s certain that without your loyal support, we would have struggled through lockdown one, so here we go again.”
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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