On the streets of Preston as homelessness grips the city worse than anywhere in Lancashire
On a cold weekday in Preston, Mark is sitting outside the former BHS store on Fishergate. He is one of a few people who have made a temporary home on mattresses, blankets and even cardboard boxes along the high street.
He said: “It’s not easy being on the street. I know people look and judge but it’s not easy.” Mark lives with chronic pain and the cold nights on the street only make this worse. "People have been fair to me," he said. "People have been very generous. It's not easy being on the street. Some people are embarrassed and ashamed. I'm ashamed to be here. I need to get my life back together."
During the height of the covid pandemic, government funding enabled more solutions to help take people like Mark off the streets and into temporary accommodation. Long term solutions remain more difficult though, with newly released statistics showing a sharp increase in the number of rough sleepers across the country.
He said: “The rough sleeping figures released by the government today paint a very sad picture for the entire country and in particular Preston. No one should be sleeping on the streets. The fact this count shows more than double the number of people sleeping rough on one night in Preston, compared to the previous year, is a stark warning that more needs to be done.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Lancashire man denies attempting to murder police sergeantMorgan Evans is alleged he attempted to murder Police Sergeant Matthew Bushell and appeared at the Old Bailey today
Lire la suite »
Tell us your favourite scenic place in LancashireLondon has been voted the most scenic city in the world - but we think there's much prettier places right on our doorstep. Tell us your favourite scenic place in Lancashire
Lire la suite »
The two Lancashire pubs named among UK's best brunch and Sunday lunch spotsIt could be the perfect treat for Mother's Day!
Lire la suite »
Lancashire's gorgeous ancient market town that's had a colourful lifeIt is the 'blue plaque capital of Lancashire'
Lire la suite »
Lancashire Police told 'get your own' after dog recruitment drive on TwitterThe comments section of the social media post was filled with dog owners posting adorable images of their potential recruits, but many were unwilling to rehome their four-legged friends.
Lire la suite »
The quirky garden centre on Lancashire border with its own 'fantasy land'The family-run business sells plants, but is also well known for its weird and wonderful art sculpture display
Lire la suite »