"INTENSIVE work is happening day in, day out" to tackle the issue of homelessness in the city centre, Bradford Council has said. 

It comes as a rough sleeper was spotted on the steps of one of the city's most iconic buildings earlier this week.

Back in August, concerns were raised over the wellbeing of Bradford's homeless people after 10 arches in the pedestrian route between Cheapside and Forster Square railway station were blocked off by three-metre-high decorated panels.

The arches at Forster SquareThe arches at Forster Square (Image: Newsquest) An individual was pictured on the entrance steps of City Hall on Monday morning at around 10am.

The image shows the man laid in a sleeping bag along with clothing items and refreshments.

Bradford Council said it was unable to comment on the person's individual situation.

The Council did mention that its 12-strong Homeless Outreach Partnership (HOP) team - an increase from eight people two months ago - operates across the district all year around.

"Many people" have also been supported by its Housing First initiative which deals with people who are repeatedly homeless and have complex needs.

It provides the individual with a home and tenancy, as well as support, to take back control of their lives.

Over the past 12 months, 225 vulnerable people in the district have been made an offer of accommodation to support them off the streets.

Emergency hostel accommodation is also part of the council's "wide-ranging approach to tackle rough sleeping".

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We cannot comment on this person’s individual situation as they have a right to privacy but our 12-strong Homeless Outreach Partnership (HOP) team, which includes drug and alcohol workers, complex needs workers, and specialists in housing options are on the streets in the city centre and across the district 365 days a year, working directly with rough sleepers to offer access to accommodation and tailored wraparound support. 

“Through the HOP, we have been able to support many people into our pioneering Housing First initiative.

"This is a partnership between the Council, housing providers and local charity the Bridge Project offering tenancies, with intensive open-ended support.

“This is part of the Council’s wide-ranging approach to tackle rough sleeping which also includes emergency hostel accommodation.

"Intensive work is happening day in day out to support and enable homeless people to change their circumstances for the better.”