Information on Loughborough

Loughborough Labour Councillors quiz Leader on homeless hostel

Posted on 14/07/2008

homeless person in the rain

A well-established voluntary sector service for homeless single adults is set to close at the end of July. Many people have been helped over the years by this residential project, which offered them accommodation when they most needed it.

The Carpenters Arms (Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough) was funded through a combination of charitable giving and government money.  The floating support service to people who are settled in local places will continue, but the residential service will not.

Councillor Jill Vincent (Labour councillor for Loughborough Southfields) said “Unfortunately, the Borough Council does not have any direct access accommodation for single adults who need it more or less immediately and it is not yet clear what, if anything, the Borough Council will offer.  

“There will be no provision for homeless adults without children in the borough.  We have heard about cases where people have been told to go to Leicester or Derby when they don’t even have money for the bus fare” she said.

Councillor Kate Legge (Labour councillor for Loughborough Hastings) said ‘It is a shame that the Borough Council has depended on a voluntary sector project for this important service and has no back-up alternative to offer.  We are asking the Leader what the Borough Council’s options are, and what in fact they are going to do.’   

Councillor Jill Vincent said ‘We will press the Council to explore the various sources of funding available to them so that Charnwood makes proper provision for those who are most in need and are not able to access other accommodation for homeless people.’

Cllrs Vincent & Legge’s question will be put to the Cabinet Leader, Richard Shepherd (Conservative councillor for Quorn & Mountsorrel Castle) on Thursday 17th July at 6.30pm