West: N i m b y

Scott Ellis
Reporter, Politics Show West

Scheme hopes to prevent sleeping on the streets

When it comes to the homeless, most people do not want them on the streets. But when it comes to giving them a home, the same people do not want them living down the end of their road either.

Mention "supported housing" and there will soon be a petition of hundreds opposing it faster than you can say "not in my backyard".

But now Bristol City Council wants attitudes to change.

"The rate it is going on, we will end up as the ghetto of Bristol."

That is the view of one resident of East Bristol about the proposed conversion of a derelict local building into supported housing for 26 single people.

And he is no lone voice in the suburban wilderness.

Derelict local building to be converted

With him were three other residents who did not want the single homeless in their neighbourhood, and they clutched a petition of around 800 signatures.

So there is much opposition, despite reassurances.

Under control

The council, and the English Churches Housing Group who own it, insist there would be strict rules about drugs, alcohol, and anti-social behaviour.

And a ratio of one staff for every two residents, who would be given help and training to eventually get back to work.

That will not silence the opposition. "It will be a flat, somewhere to live," states one. "But once they get out of the door, no one is responsible for them."

Another angrily suggests they would not dare doing this in an affluent area. "Would councillors consider putting these places in Clifton and Westbury-on-Trym?"

Street politics ...

In the hot seat

Facing the flak is Liberal Democrat John Kiely, who represents a poor inner-city ward.

Mr Kiely is no stranger to the single homeless.

He is the councillor responsible for setting up new supported homes: he argues that the single homeless people who might eventually come here are already living in the community.

They are just hidden away in bed and breakfast accommodation.

The council, and the government, want them transferred to supported housing - like it or not.

So he agrees to meet the irate residents face to face.

"What we are asking is can you as a community reach out your hand to these homeless people and say, 'Alright, we will give you a go'

"And if they do not adhere to the rules, then they will be out.

"But remember, this is not a prison," he tells them.

Politics Show

Can he win them over? Watch the debate on Politics Show West.

Politics Show West wants to hear from you.

Watch the programme, and let us know what you think.

Join David Garmston on Politics Show West on BBC One, Sunday 23 October 2005 at Noon.

---