Sand used to fill in area under Margate Main Sands walkway due to ‘anti-social behaviour reports’

December 3, 2019 Kathy Bailes News 9

sandinfill4 — Filled in Photo John Horton

Sand has been used to fill in an area on Margate beach used by rough sleepers.

The area by the slope access at the Nayland toilets was blocked off last week. The Victorian shelter in Marine Drive has also be cleaned of graffiti, thought to be part of the clean up aead of tonight’s Turner Prize ceremony.

A Thanet council spokesperson said: “The council has moved sand to prevent access to under the walkway on Margate Main Sands.This is as a result of anti-social behaviour reports, which included drug paraphernalia being left on the beach.

“This area has also been a place where rough sleepers have bedded down during the warmer months. There are health and safety concerns associated with this due to rising high tides. As the Thanet Winter Shelter is now open until the end of March, the spot attracts significantly fewer rough sleepers.

“The Thanet Winter Shelter provides rough sleepers with a warm bed, food and support to a number of other services, including the multi-agency Rise team.”

Thanet council activated its Severe Weather Emergency protocol (SWEP) yesterday due to overnight temperatures of below zero forecast for three nights.

The action is triggered when the night time temperature is predicted to be zero degrees Celsius or below for three consecutive nights.

When the protocol is triggered, the council provide emergency accommodation for any person sleeping rough in the district so that it can prevent unnecessary deaths during the cold snap.

SWEP should be implemented on the first night of the severe weather forecast and means the authority will work in partnership with the voluntary sector, using homelessness grants and council funds to ensure rough sleepers are provided with shelter.