Shelters being demolished after becoming havens for the homeless

RESIDENTS are delighted to see shelters being demolished at a Newquay beauty spot after homeless people and drug addicts made the facilities “no go zones.”

Cornwall Council is replacing two shelters at the Barrowfields with benches after the “general public” started to avoid using the facilities since they became havens for antisocial behaviour.

They also claim the shelters overlooking Newquay Bay have reached the end of their “useful life” and have needed ongoing maintenance due to vandalism and storm damage.

The council says the new seating will provide accessible places to sit and enjoy the open space, while creating a “safer” and more “welcoming environment” for visitors.

Many residents are glad to see the back of the shelters. Richard said: “It’s great the shelters are being demolished.

“People have been using them as homeless shelters, as a toilet and somewhere to take drugs. It is the best thing the council could have done is to knock them down. It would have been great if the shelters were used properly but they were not.”

Keith Barker added: “The shelters were old and dilapidated. Homeless people were sleeping in them regularly and making a mess. The seating being in place will provide some amazing views.”

Dave Roberts said: “It is a shame the shelters are going but I understand why. They were misused with homeless people living in them and drug addicts leaving needles lying around near to where children play football. One poor old lady was upset after her dog started eating human excrement, which was left in one of them.

“The shelters were handy when there was heavy rain because you could duck and dive but if facilities are abused then they are taken away.”

But some residents are sorry to see the shelters being knocked down. Jeanette Jones said: “I think it’s a stupid idea. The council destroys everything.

“The shelters were great to stop at to dry off when it was raining. I’ve even enjoyed a picnic in them. I’m not going to want to sit on a bench in the winter.”

Another resident said: “I can’t quite believe the council is demolishing these shelters.

“They are deemed unsafe but they look sturdy enough to me. One needed a few roof tiles. What an absolute waste of our money. Removing those shelters is insane.

“I wonder if they’ve ever walked across the Barrowfields in a howling gale and sideways rain. There is no other shelter being built to replace them. And yes, homeless people did use them and sometimes poorly but where else are they now meant to get some respite. Forty-three per cent of people in the UK are just one pay check from potential homelessness.”

Steve Pearce said: “There is nothing wrong with the shelters. The council is only knocking them down to stop homeless people staying there. I have met a lot of lovely homeless people in the shelters and I’ve given them duvets and warm clothes.”

Newquay central Cornwall councillor Joanna Kenny said: “Sadly any shelters on the coast tend to be the target for anti-social behaviour and these were no different, meaning that the general public tended to avoid them.

“It didn’t help that the shelters were in poor condition and it would have cost real money to replace them. What is happening is brand new benches will be set up in their place and we expect that more people will be able to rest there and admire the wonderful views.”