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Successful initiative to help rough sleepers in Waterloo

from Cathy (cathyvpreece@aol.com)

Lambeth

Date: 25.03.2003
Ref: 1540
Press contact: Isolda McNeill
Tel: 020 7926 2841
Email: imcneill@lambeth.gov.uk

Press Release

Successful initiative to help rough sleepers in Waterloo

Lambeth Council, in partnership with homeless charity St Mungo's and local police has completed a successful a two-week operation to move on rough sleepers and street drinkers in the Waterloo area, with the number of rough sleepers being reduced by 50%.

The operation had two aims - the first was to disrupt the behaviour patterns of the entrenched 'street population' so as to encourage them to seek appropriate professional help, while the second was to 'deep clean' areas traditionally occupied and soiled by rough sleepers. Many of these areas around Waterloo Station and the BFI Imax cinema are often not thoroughly cleaned by the Council's contractor's staff due to violence or the threat of violence from the local street population.

The operation combined an enforcement approach from Kennington police to move people from areas requiring deep clean by Lambeth Street Care. St Mungo's, via their street outreach teams and through referrals from Kennington police and Lambeth Street Care, were able to engage rough sleepers and offer to help them in variety of ways.

Councillor Peter Truesdale, Leader of Lambeth Council, said: "This operation has been very successful and represents a good example of partnership working between Lambeth, Kennington police and St Mungo's. It has led to a huge improvement for people living and working around Waterloo and, importantly, successful outcomes for many rough sleepers in the area."

The initiative move was welcomed by housing charity St Mungo's South London contact and assessment team manager Richard Cunningham. "St Mungo's feels that Waterloo should be a safe and pleasant place for all the community members. We are supporting Lambeth council's efforts to regenerate the area by offering intensive outreach services to the deeply entrenched rough sleepers who use the walkways and underpasses around the IMAX cinema complex.

"Our efforts are proving successful and a significant number of this group are now engaging in our housing and health services, " he stated.

Ian Lucas, Facilities Manager at the British Film Institute, said: "The paved areas and tunnels all show significant improvement and this has been welcomed both by ourselves and our patrons, as well as our corporate clients. The reduction in the number of rough sleepers has had a positive impact on the high number of tourists that visit ourselves and other local entertainment venues."

Issued by the Communication Centre
London Borough of Lambeth
Lambeth Town Hall
Brixton Hill
London SW2 1RW

Telephone 020 7926 1000
Fax 020 7926 2835
www.lambeth.gov.uk

(posted 7670 days ago)

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