Concerns for the homeless as Bradford arches gated off

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 10 arches in the pedestrian route between Cheapside and Forster Square railway station would be blocked off by three-metre-high decorated panels, with new lighting installed inside.

The work is being funded by Network Rail, which owns and maintains the arches, and carried out by Bradford Council, which said the changes would lead to a "much improved public realm" around the station.

This week, the council commenced the first stages of the planned work which came as a surprise to one group.

Homeless Not Hopeless - a group which offers support to those in need by handing out food, clothing, tents and toiletries - was disappointed by what it saw as the sudden nature of the council's action.

It claimed 30 people were regular users of the arches and questioned where they have been left to go.

Bradford Council refuted this suggestion and said no one was there when the fences were erected.

The Council added that one person was sleeping there when the work started and they were offered alternative emergency accommodation and ongoing support.

A dispute has occurred between Bradford Council and local group Homeless Not Helpless (Image: Newsquest) Steven Richardson, of Homeless Not Hopeless, said: "Nobody from the council have gone out of their way to let us know it was happening.

"We also have no idea what has happened to the people down there. That is our main concern. Where are these people now?

"There were 30 people sleeping down there less than a week ago. What have they done with these people?

"There are hundreds of doorways and places they will be moved on. They won’t be together. It is of great concern."

He added: "I wish the council had come out and given us some sort of assurance that they are looking after these people properly.

"I still don’t understand what the city of Bradford is gaining from it.

"When the plans were announced, it was part of a measure included to help these people try find some sort of accommodation and working with them. None of that has happened.

"We were told it was happening in early May. Since then, the place has just become neglected and filthier.

"It appeared to me that every opportunity was being made to make people’s lives as miserable as possible and turn public opinion against the place.

"We are going to use people that we can contact living on the streets to try find out where they are.

"Next Wednesday we will go down there just to inform people we have moved. If that is where people are expecting to get something to eat, we are not going to let them down."

Bradford Council says, over the past 12 months, 225 people across the district have been made an offer of accommodation to support them off the streets.

Network Rail confirmed initial work has started on the project and temporary heras fencing has been installed by the council.

It added that it is supporting the council in delivery of the project which will lead to an improved public realm.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “The first stages of planned work to enhance the area near Forster Square railway station has started.

"This involves the preparatory work of closing-off the railway arches in preparation for installing gates and new lighting to the arches.

"The arches were empty and had no one in them at the time the fences were erected.

“Our Homeless Outreach Partnership has been working closely on a daily basis for months with the people who sleep rough in the arches, to help them access the support that is available for them. 

“Our nine-strong HOP team includes drug and alcohol workers, complex needs workers, and specialists in housing options to offer accommodation and wraparound care.

"When the fencing work started at the arches, there was one person sleeping there, who has been offered alternative emergency accommodation and ongoing support.

“Living in the railway arches is not an appropriate, safe solution for people on the streets, some of whom are the most vulnerable in our society.

"Supporting these people is a key priority for the Council, and we will continue to work with our many partners and associated services to offer a wide range of support to anyone who needs it across the district.”