'It can't go on' - call for action at Kendal Court

The pair climbed on top of Kendal Court in Newhaven and shouted at customers in neighbouring pub The Engineer, Lewes district councillor James MacCleary said.

The incident happened on July 11.

Now Cllr MacCleary, who represents Newhaven, has written to Brighton and Hove City Council demanding a solution to long-running problems at the block.

The building is used by the city council to house vulnerable people at risk of homelessness.

But Cllr MacCleary said they are not receiving enough support and some are instead turning to antisocial behaviour as a way to relieve boredom.

Lib Dem councillor James MacCleary called for a solution to increasing problems at Kendal Court

“People here are isolated,” the Lewes District Council leader said.

“It’s in the poorer part of Newhaven where there hasn’t been a lot of investment, it’s far away from the town centre. There are a lot of people crammed together, some of whom have been through very difficult times.

“But they don’t receive much support.

“It’s no surprise some are engaged in antisocial behaviour when they’re left with nothing to do. People have died in there. There are ambulances outside very often.

“It’s a real embarrassment because we’re living in one of the wealthiest parts of the country and people are in this situation.”

The Argus reported two years ago that five residents had died in Kendal Court within two months, prompting the city council to commission a report into temporary accommodation.

The report, released in January last year, found 31 people had died in city council temporary housing in the previous two years.

Cllr MacCleary offered to partner with the city council to improve support at Kendal Court – both for the residents’ sakes and for those living nearby.

The housing block is used to house vulnerable people at risk of homelessness in Brighton and Hove

“By the word of the law, the city council isn’t doing anything wrong,” the Lib Dem said.

“But I think from a human perspective we have to find a way of supporting them through some form of partnership. It’s really affecting the quality of life of those living around the block.”

A city council spokesman said Kendal Court was emergency accommodation for homeless people “rather than supported accommodation”.

“While there is no on-site support, there is a building manager and our welfare officers provide support to homeless people in all our emergency accommodation,” he said.

“Welfare officers usually visit Kendal Court at least once a week or more to offer support to any residents who need it. Unfortunately, this support has been limited to phone calls during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“If anyone does have greater support needs or apparent mental health issues, we will refer them to our adult social care service, who can offer more specialist support where needed.

“Where people do need a higher level of support, they are prioritised for a move back to the city as soon as we have available accommodation.”