IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Chesterfield residents urged to help the town's homeless

The important plea comes after the Derbyshire Times exposed concerns about drink and drug-fuelled anti-social behaviour on New Beetwell Street in the town.

Police believe the problems are linked with people sleeping rough in bus shelters along the road – and say homelessness is of ‘increasing concern’ in the town.

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NIGHTMARE ON NEW BEETWELL STREET

Now, Councillor Tom Murphy, the borough council’s cabinet member for housing, is urging Chesterfield residents to report rough sleepers to a charity so they can get support.

He told the Derbyshire Times: “We work with a range of agencies to tackle issues of anti-social behaviour but also support people who are sleeping rough.

“Our community safety team, Pavements Shopping Centre security guards and the police regularly visit New Beetwell Street and move people on who are causing anti-social behaviour.

“We do from time-to-time experience people sleeping rough in New Beetwell Street who are attracted to the area because it is warmer than other parts of town, provides cover and is relatively safe for the rough sleeper.

“By working with agencies like No Second Night Out we aim to get rough sleepers into a safe environment and provide them with support to secure accommodation, although sometimes this offer of help is refused.

“We encourage anyone who sees someone sleeping rough to report it to No Second Night Out on 0345 1110000 or by emailing [email protected] and they will visit the rough sleeper to see if they can work with local services to provide help.

“Anyone who sees a rough sleeper in need of emergency medical treatment should call 999 as soon as possible.”