Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council has successfully cleared an unauthorised camp situated near the town centre. The council worked alongside the private landowner to dismantle the site, taking action to protect local residents from ongoing disruption.
Although the council has no direct legal power to act on private land, it chose to actively support the property owner in resolving the issue. Council Leader Jonathan Gullis made clear the authority's position on such encampments, stating that Newcastle Under Lyme will not tolerate camps that bring "public nuisance, filth, intimidation, and anti-social behaviour" to communities. He warned private landowners to either cooperate with the council or face legal action, and emphasised that the council will act "swifter and harder with no delays, no excuses" if unauthorised camps appear on council-owned land.
Alongside its firm enforcement stance, Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council is backing its approach with practical support services. The authority has opened Navigation House, an emergency accommodation facility funded by government money specifically for rough sleepers. The centre connects vulnerable people with housing associations, DWP support, financial advice and other essential services to help them transition off the streets.
Cabinet member Vanessa Renshaw outlined the council's dual strategy: "We will offer support to those who genuinely need help, but we will also act firmly where behaviour causes nuisance, fear or harm in our communities." This approach signals Newcastle Under Lyme's commitment to both addressing homelessness and protecting residents from the negative impacts of unauthorised encampments.