Council failed to join anti-social behaviour meeting

Locals are worried about the welfare of rough sleepers but said recent problem behaviour has led to concerns

A council has been criticised for not attending a multi-agency meeting about rough sleepers and anti-social behaviour.

The meeting was set up by Wiltshire Police following concerns about drug taking, loud noises and fighting by some homeless people who have set up tents in the grounds of Salisbury Arts Centre.

Local residents and representatives from Salisbury City Council also attended the meeting on 23 September, during which concerns were also raised about the welfare of rough sleepers in the city.

Wiltshire Council said the invitation arrived "very late" and no officers were available to attend.

It added that it organises and attends "regular multi-agency meetings to discuss specific individual cases as well as rough sleeping issues that impact significantly on the community".

Salisbury resident, Jo Fotheringham, said "it shouldn't be a police matter, it should be a social care matter"

Salisbury resident, Jo Fotheringham, said she had heard "somebody screaming in pain" and seen "somebody collapsed over a canister of gas" while passing through the grounds of the art centre.

She added this had left her "feeling uncomfortable", fearing for her safety, whilst also worrying for the welfare of those concerned.

"It shouldn't be a police matter, it should be a social care matter - a multi-agency approach - but unfortunately Wiltshire Council weren't here (at the meeting) to give comment or insight into what they've done so far," Ms Fotheringham continued.

Victoria Charleston, one of the leaders of Salisbury City Council, said Wiltshire Council's absence was "not good enough"

Salisbury City councillor, Victoria Charleston, said "it was great to see residents engaged" at the meeting, but added that it was a "disappointing space" because of Wiltshire Council's absence.

"The police explained what they're doing on the criminal side of things," she said.

"We (Salisbury City Council) explained what we're doing.

"Wiltshire Council have a responsibility to tell residents how they're keeping them safe.

"They missed the last meeting as well, residents deserve better."

Councillor Phil Alford said they "organise and attend regular multi-agency meetings"

John Glen, MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire, also attended and said he was "keen to find practical solutions and support city council, the police and others".

He added that it was "unfortunate that there was nobody here (at the meeting) from Wiltshire Council to tell us what is going on to help the individuals".

Responding to the criticism, cabinet member for housing, Phil Alford, said: "The invitation came in very late in the day and unfortunately the council couldn't attend.

"The rough sleeper team have attended and organised multi-agency meetings in relation to the anti-social behaviour being experienced within the arts centre and a number of actions were agreed and followed up."