Homeless people camping outside Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Civic Offices in Barry have reportedly been handed notices telling them to leave the land. The notices were placed on tents belonging to people sleeping rough outside the council offices, according to an online post.
Trespass notice warns of legal action
The post claims the council has put letters on homeless people’s tents to take them to court to get them removed from the land. The trespass notice states that the council is the lawful owner of the land and is entitled to immediate possession, adding that the occupants are on the land without consent and are therefore there unlawfully.
The notice demands that the individuals vacate the land immediately, warning that failure to do so will result in the council taking legal action to recover possession and secure their removal. It also lists a number of support services for people who may need help.
Council response on engagement
WalesOnline contacted Vale of Glamorgan Council to ask whether it issued the notices, what action is being taken, and what support is available to the people affected. A spokesperson for the council said the situation is difficult and distressing, and acknowledged the significant impact of being without accommodation.
The spokesperson said housing officers have made multiple attempts to engage with the individuals in recent weeks, including welfare visits and previous arrangements to provide alternative temporary accommodation. Until recently, officers had not been able to establish or maintain contact, and the case was closed following a period of no engagement.
The council said it is unable to comment on the circumstances of specific individuals due to confidentiality and data protection obligations, but is continuing to work with the individuals to support them with their housing needs.
