‘I have sorted myself out now and I just need somewhere to live’ – Ex-drug user denied emergency accomodation by Sheffield Council

Martin says he will be forced back onto the streets if Sheffield Council don't provide him somewhere to live (stock image).

Martin Hunter, aged 30, who is originally from Intake, has been housed in the Staindrop Lodge B&B in Chapeltown since Boxing Day, after being released from prison in June this year.

However, on Monday (January 4) he was forced to sleep rough after the council refused to let him stay there, putting him in danger of relapsing into the life he has been trying to escape.

On his release from prison, Martin did have his tag registered at his partner’s house in Lowedges, but he insists he no longer lives there and only goes to visit his stepdaughter.

But the council told him that they believe he already has an address, and they are therefore under no obligation to house him in temporary accommodation.

“I was outside the hostel last night with my sleeping bag but they said they couldn't let me in,” he said.

“Weather Watch was on as it was so cold but the council said they didn’t have to find me a place as I already have a registered address.”

After his tag was removed in October, Martin became homeless again and was forced to live in his car or sofa-surf when he could.

But the vehicle was burnt out just before Christmas and he had no choice but to ask the council for emergency help.

Martin said he first got into drugs - including injecting heroin and taking crack - when he was 25 and living in doorways in Sheffield city centre.

He added that all the problems in his life had come from living on streets, with life sleeping rough only being made bearable by illegal drugs which in turn forced him into a life of crime to feed his habit.

He said: “If I go back to the streets I’m worried I’ll just go back to that life of using drugs and committing crime.

“I have sorted myself out now and I just need somewhere to live.”

Sheffield Council said they had been in regular contact with Mr Hunter and were always on hand to give him any advice and support he might need.

Anyone who has concerns about someone living on the streets should call Framework on 0800 066 5358.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.