Calls to stop hotel being used for homeless people

The Sneyd Arms Hotel in Tunstall is being used by the council to house homeless people

Almost 300 people have signed a petition calling for a council to stop using a hotel to house homeless people.

The petition has been organised by Stoke-on-Trent North MP Jonathan Gullis who wants Stoke-on-Trent City Council to reconsider its use.

He says homeless people using the Sneyd Arms in Tunstall are causing upset to the local community.

The city council said it would not comment on live petitions.

Mr Gullis links the hotel housing homeless people with a recent rise in crime – including incidents of vandalism and theft.

Staffordshire Police said they had made two arrests in relation to theft and damage on Tunstall High Street.

The hotel has hit back against the petition, however, and said the MP should have been encouraging business.

A spokesperson said: “It’s wrong, we don’t support this. We give a service to the council, we accommodate people who are really in need of accommodation.”

The business said stopping the council using the hotel to house homeless people would not solve any problems.

It added that the petition is also jeopardising future investment plans.

Mr Gullis said Tunstall would not be a safe place for shoppers and businesses while the hotel was being used to house homeless people.

“The council should not be housing the homeless in the Sneyd Arms. It’s right in front of the historic market and town hall which is the focal point of the community.

“My petition pressures the council to find better accommodation to house the homeless that does not impact the high street.”

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.