HOMELESS people in Stratford have been barred from sleeping in a multi-storey car park in the interest of public safety.
Stratford District Council has put up barriers in Bridgeway car park to stop rough sleepers stopping there.
Council chiefs say it follows reports of anti-social behaviour including begging, drug use and harrassment taking place in the car park.
They also say those who were were stopping there have been offered emergency accommodation.
A spokeswoman said: “The council has balanced the needs of the rough sleeper community against its public safety responsibilities following a number of complaints.
“The need for the barriers to remain in place will be reviewed when the council is satisfied that there is no longer a risk to public safety.”
The council says it and a number of local charities offer support to the rough sleeping community.
Visit www.stratford.gov.uk or call 01789 267575 for more information.