Organisers plan to close Doncaster Tent City by end of the week

An 'exit strategy' has been put into place by the organisers of Doncaster Tent City, who say they plan to close the campsite for the borough's homeless by December 10.
Organisers running Doncaster Tent City say they plan to close it down on Saturday, December 10.Organisers running Doncaster Tent City say they plan to close it down on Saturday, December 10.
Organisers running Doncaster Tent City say they plan to close it down on Saturday, December 10.

The camp sprung up on council-owned land in the town centre previously occupied by the Doncaster Civic Theatre on November 19.

Since then, around 15 rough sleepers are believed to have resided in tents pitched up on the land.

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Commenting on the site's Facebook page, a spokesman for Doncaster Tent City said they planned to close the camp on Friday, December 10.

They added: "6 tents just been taking down... Exit strategy now in effect.... Progress.. Tomorrow more tents down.. ppl (sic) housed.. Thursday... Friday... Boom.

#OPSAFEWINTER #DONCASTERTENTCIY (sic)"

A spokesman for Doncaster Council said the local authority has not made any attempt to evict anyone residing at the campsite.

More information has been requested from the local authority on the number of homeless people using the site who have been referred to by the council to receive more permanent accommodation, and the support available for rough sleepers after its closure.

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The spokesman added: “If you are homeless or think that you are going to become homeless you should contact 01302 736000, Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:00.

"If you are homeless outside of these hours contact 01302 323444.

"A Housing Options Officer can be seen in person at the One Stop Shop at The Civic Building in Doncaster during opening hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 8.30am - 5pm.”

Since the site sprung up just over three weeks ago scores of Doncaster residents and business have volunteered their time as well as food, clothing and equipment such as tents and sleeping bags.

It follows similar 'tent cities' being set up by in Hull, Leeds and Sheffield earlier this year.

Another camp has been set up for homeless people in Scunthorpe this week.