Migrants and Addicts Transform Town Car Park into "No-Go" Zone

A council-run car park in Reading has become a makeshift home for at least a dozen homeless migrants and drug addicts, transforming the area into a site described as a "no-go zone" by some users. The men have set up tents and sleeping areas among the concrete pillars of Reading's Civic B Car Park, where hourly parking rates have recently increased to £4.30. The car park is frequented by barristers and hundreds of shoppers daily.

Disturbing scenes have been reported, with individuals seen injecting drugs in the car park's corners. Clothing and waste have been found strewn across the floor, with discarded underwear noted near vehicles. The inhabitants are largely confined to the first floor, but also sleep on the ground level, forcing shoppers to navigate through the encampment.

One resident, Richard Okine, 33, from Ghana, has been living in the car park for nearly three years after losing his life savings due to a romance scam. Okine, who arrived in the UK six years ago on a family visa, stated that he does not feel safe sleeping in a tent due to previous violent incidents, including an incident where a person's ear was nearly severed. He admits to heroin addiction and considers shoplifting as a means of income, though he is legally permitted to work. Okine expressed that he is in a legal limbo due to having pre-settled status and needing indefinite status to be eligible for housing or public funds.

He also described difficulties in maintaining hygiene, stating he had not showered for approximately eight months due to aggressive individuals at washing facilities. Okine believes the government could offer more support, suggesting job programs that do not penalize individuals for addiction.

Another resident, James Johnson, 41, formerly of west London, described the situation as "horrible" and noted that drugs are readily available. He expressed willingness to relocate if a better option were provided but questioned where that might be. Both residents mentioned receiving temporary shelter only around Christmas.

Motorists have voiced complaints about the car park's condition and security. One driver reported an attempted car break-in using a concrete block, noting a lack of CCTV in the area. Other drivers have expressed concerns about smashed glass and poor lighting, leading some to opt for alternative, albeit more expensive, car parks in the town.

Reading Borough Council stated that its commissioned outreach team regularly engages with the individuals camping at the site to check on their welfare and direct them to available accommodation and support services. The council highlighted its Rough Sleeping Initiatives Team, winter shelters, and supported accommodation projects offering over 270 bed spaces. Additionally, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated during freezing temperatures to provide emergency accommodation. However, the council noted that accommodation offered is not always accepted.

The council does not advocate for dedicated areas for rough sleeping due to safety risks and the potential for normalizing the issue. The situation in Reading mirrors similar encampments reported in other UK towns, which are often chosen for their dryness, security, and central locations.

Official figures indicate a significant rise in rough sleeping across England, with an estimated 4,793 people sleeping on the streets on a single night in autumn, a 171% increase since 2010. More recent statistics show an estimated 8,748 people slept rough at some point during June. Furthermore, a record 135,580 households, including 177,530 children, were living in temporary accommodation at the end of March.