Reform warns of Norwich's growing tent city problem

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 06:48 · Archive

Tents have appeared across Norwich, prompting Reform UK to warn the city risks becoming associated with encampments.

Reform UK has warned that Norwich risks becoming a city of 'tents and encampments' as rough sleeper numbers grow. Nick Taylor, chairman of Reform UK Norwich, said the camps damage the city's image for visitors and could harm the local economy, noting that 'Norfolk has a bigger tourist economy than Cornwall' and the city should not become associated with encampments.

Tents have appeared at multiple locations across Norwich. These include St Andrews car park in St Andrews Street, Riverside Walk, St Stephens roundabout, behind St Gregory's Church by St Gregory's Alley, next to Cow Tower, St Stephens underpass, Marriott's Way and outside Tesco's Express in London Street. An encampment on St Stephens roundabout remained for nearly a week before being moved.

Local residents have called for Norwich City Council to take action to get rough sleepers off the streets. Some have also asked prime minister Andy Burnham to follow through on his pledge to house all homeless people by Christmas. Mr Taylor acknowledged that Norwich has 'excellent provision through fantastic organisations like St Martins', but said some rough sleepers do not want to use these facilities because of rules against violence, alcohol and drugs.

How it is being reported

• Reform's warning over Norwich's growing tent cityPressure is mounting on Norwich City Council to act as tents continue to appear around the city, days after an encampment was moved from one of Norwich's busiest roundabouts.Eastern Daily Press · 12 Oct, 06:00
• Reform's warning over Norwich's growing tent cityPressure is mounting on Norwich City Council to act as tents continue to appear around the city, days after an encampment was moved from one of Norwich's busiest roundabouts.Norwich Evening News · 12 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Norwich · Norwich City Council · Reform UK · Nick Taylor · St Martins · Andy Burnham · Norfolk

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