Police backing for closure of town centre hostel in Barnsley

Barnsley Council has operated Holden House, in Race Street, for many years but the building is regarded as a hot spot for anti social behaviour by South Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service are also frequent visitors.

The unit is on the edge of the town centre and gangs, often drinking, frequently gather in the vicinity.

Supt Sarah Poolman said the council had decided to decommission Holden House, with the last of its residents expected to move out by the end of this year, putting residents into much smaller units, including houses which accommodate four people.

“It doesn’t solve the problem, but it allows time away from a toxic environment with access to the services they need,” she said.

“I am hopeful that by the end of the calendar year Holden House will be decommissioned and the residents in places which are more compatible with their needs.”