Warnings have been issued that Scarborough is taking more than its fair share of vulnerable people, leading to a rise in anti-social behaviour and concerns about the town's future.
Anti-social behaviour is threatening to turn Scarborough into 'Blackpool two point zero' as local leaders warn the town is taking on an unfair share of vulnerable individuals.
Former hotels and large Victorian buildings are being converted into houses in multiple occupation, leading to claims that the coastal resort is becoming a dumping ground for high-needs people.
The changing face of the town centre has sparked fears over the potential impact on the local tourism industry.
Scarborough councillor Tom Seston said:
"In Scarborough town centre, we've seen a massive rise in anti-social behaviour. Particularly large amounts of people often with substance abuse issues or alcohol issues. Nothing drives tourists away from a town faster than a town centre that's been unkept, unclean and full of antisocial, high needs individuals. In Scarborough we have hotels becoming de facto homeless shelters, Homemore as a prime example. A lot of this boils down to money. We have large buildings, ex-hotels, big Victorian buildings that can be converted into HMOs. A lot of this comes down to North Yorkshire Council housing people and where they're choosing to house them primarily because it's cheaper."
The heavy concentration of vulnerable people has prompted calls for clarity and action from local representatives.
Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume said:
"I have engaged with um on the issue of of home more in particular and antisocial behaviour. and my office is in Northway, right in the middle of the town and I see things that I would rather not see, on a weekly basis. However, we all have a responsibility, as citizens, to look after more vulnerable people, but I do understand that it does seem that Scarborough is rather taking more than its fair share."
Official estimates suggest the coastal town is currently shouldering a disproportionate amount of the region's housing needs.
Adding to her concerns, Ms Hume said:
"I have asked the council for details of the number of people housed in Scarborough, and it does look as if we are housing around 50% of the needs. So that is a large number, but I know that the councillor aware of it, and they have and they're looking at how they commission services. And on the High streets, yes, we have a High street strategy in the works, but we have also already put money into High streets and we're seeing that through Pride In Place. But we're giving councillors and councils more powers in terms of taking back buildings."
A lack of temporary accommodation in other parts of the county is driving the influx of people to the coast, with individuals from areas like Selby being relocated to Scarborough while long-term solutions are sought.
Falsgrave and Stepney councillor Liz Colling stated that it is ultimately up to North Yorkshire Council to resolve the ongoing housing and anti-social behaviour issues:
"The issue is the lack of temporary accommodation in certain parts, there's no temporary accommodation in Selby, and so people are sent here temporarily while something's sorted out. How temporary is the moot point, but that is what we agreed as the council that we would use the second home council tax on, £18 million in for more housing. Some of it will come to Scarborough because we have our own need, but some of it will go elsewhere in units. There's lots and lots of accommodation being provided, what we need is more of it and we need it where their families, their friends, their networks are, unless for reasons of substance abuse and otherwise, they choose to opt out of that support. But your point's well made, but it is [for] North Yorkshire Council to solve that problem."
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