Concerns grows over the number of homeless people in Dundee’s CBD
Businessmen say more needs to be done to attend the social crisis that has seen more and more people set up home on the streets.
Religious and welfare organisations and the local municipality have been urged to put their heads together to seek a solution to the growing homeless problem in Dundee’s CBD.
Businesses say they are negatively affected.
The call was made by Endumeni Residents’ Association chairperson FC Bester in response to complaints about a growing ‘cardboard box’ settlement on the corner of Gladstone and Beaconsfield streets.
In recent weeks, a group of men and women have set up their temporary home on the steps of the historic Boswells Building, which is on Dundee’s heritage trail that attracts tourists to the area.
Business people say the associated mess, stench, urine and general decay cause concern.
“People are hesitant to come to this side of town.
“They would rather avoid it.
“Already, the car guards and beggars are hassling shoppers and this is just adding to the chaos,” said one businessman who preferred not to be named.
Bester said he feels ‘very sorry for the homeless’.
“Clearly, the situation is desperate.
“We need to come together and seek an alternative shelter for them, which is not an eyesore and doesn’t impact on others, which is happening now.
“The municipality has by-laws that control public nuisances, which this situation is.
“Unfortunately, our by-laws are never implemented. Although this so-called cardboard box settlement is diagonally across from the police station, unless these people commit a crime, there is nothing they can do.
“I would suggest that churches, religious and service organisations come together to seek a solution to this social problem.
“I don’t mind facilitating such a meeting.
“Our town needs to stick together.”
There is further concern that the so-called recycling depot on a vacant plot in Beaconsfield Street, across from Eventide Home for the Aged, has also deteriorated into a squatter camp.
A group of young men have set up a home there, complete with shelters.
Residents and visitors who frequent the old age home have said they fear for their safety due to the current situation.
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