Two sides to every story | Made in Stoke-on-Trent

Homelessness hit the news in Stoke-on-Trent when an attempt by the council to tackle rough sleeping went wrong, causing public anger. Meet some of the people who are sleeping on the streets, and those offering help
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Watch the rest of the Made in Stoke-on-Trent series here ► www.theguardian.com/cities/ng-interactive/2018/jan/08/made-in-stoke-on-trent-episode-1-we-have-lift-off

[@DavidhorleyHorley]

Drugs are the root of all evil and so is my ds like as fat kid I would lock them up in shed till they Are fit and tell them to shut the fk up me .don't feel sorry for none of them at all pls don't send them deeside North wales

[@DavidhorleyHorley]

There is help but thay won't help themselves council should focus on drug dealers I say

[@JohnSmith-vy4lh]

Any homeless man or woman can bring a tort of misfeasance against the CEO of the council for breach of contract .It is their statutory duty to provide homes for everybody in their district . All councils should be investigated to see they are doing their duty and to answer the question , why is our council tax paid into CITI bank New York .

[@lianmassey7913]

Councils fining homeless people for having a tent and sleeping bag, they're homeless, the tent and sleeping bag us literally all they have. Getting fined for the little you have, for being poor, what has the world come to?

[@elizbethdryburgh.8765]

@@DavidhorleyHorley Feel so sorry for you x

[@BolanKeith]

Most people don't realize just how easy it is to become homeless. I was very nearly homeless once. It just takes losing a job and having a bad run of luck. I was educated, hard working, able bodied, not a drug taker nor alcoholic. But I was in a strange town, with so no support system. It can happen so easily. So don't be smug and judgmental. Have empathy and compassion instead.

[@stewartsquires8882]

And illness-can take everything-you realise how people turn their backs-no support-it can be doable with help-not words but real action

[@Sheba8.]

Absolutely true. It can happen, it just takes a bit of a tough time, and you're out on your ear. Dogs are entitled by law to have shelter, what about human beings. There's plenty of money to build and build for this problem that's growing. It's cruel and scandalous 😢

[@mbull7458]

Well said mate!👍

[@DSmith-ix1xf]

It all begins with yourself. Yes, have empathy and compassion - for yourself. Don't expect any one or anything to help untill you do. Otherwise it's like a putting a plaster on a stab wound.

[@rogermoore-gd9do]

What ever bullshyt excuses you and these people give millions of others could say the same yet dont they have no support and have to get on with it or die. Dont tell us your dad did not give you enough pocket money, your mother did not have your dinner on the table when you came . What ever your excuse most have no sympathy.

[@davrodwatto4090]

The fella at the start - 'your recording so you must have a problem ' Your the problem behaving like a total muppet.

[@northide8785]

I was hoping he'd get dropped by big black

[@mtaylor4293]

Do we get the whole representation of the situation from that short edited scene? Was he being filmed perhaps in the background without being asked? I know when I've been down on my luck I'd hate to feel I'm being exploited and shown up simply to add B roll footage to someone else's righteous documentary. There is 2 viewpoints here and the loudest most prominent and easier to stomach for most is the more eloquently delivered and slickly edited middle England opinion.

[@benscotti1991]

@@mtaylor4293 doesn't matter if he is being filmed without being asked, that's what people don't understand, you can film anyone anywhere on public land if you don't want your face on camera just walk off, simple.

[@Mistwalker67]

He wanted to be in the limelight, either that or he was an undercover cop 😃

[@jonthebutcher]

northide beat him black and blue 😂✌️

[@chrisknight6372]

I'm from Crewe, 20 mins drive from stoke. I came out of jail n was homeless for 6 months. YMCA helped me out and between Cheshire drugs service and YMCA I now have a job n a house. Hard work n good luck to all.

[@chrisknight6372]

Plawn Clackers thanks

[@ThobekaK]

Wow, that really good for you.

[@dananonymous6894]

Chris Knight Power and strength plus nice greetings from Austria, Stay straight Bru

[@TheCheesyguy]

Good for you

[@jameslewis4059]

Respect and love to you man. You've turned it around. Power to you

[@jamescutler4515]

Could one of the councillors who proposed £1000 fine, please explain how they expected homeless people to pay? Honestly, what planet are these people on!!

[@hh-ck3yw]

The councillors are on crack

[@paulbackhard6315]

They are not supposed to pay it they are supposed to get another charge for not paying fines then it will be a custodial sentence and they are out of the way

[@craigboden2435]

@@paulbackhard6315 I got one, living in the macari centre now but because I missed payments cause I literally couldn't afford it, when I got my universal credit sorted out when I moved in here they bombed me with £120 deduction a month for the fine straight away. But if I didn't move in here I'd have been going to jail yeah.

[@milky7078]

Honestly mate all the money they spend on mamba can pay it off in a week bet they make more money than most people in a week by robbing and getting free food

[@user-up6jw8tv9s]

Hanley at 3pm is completely different to Hanley at 3am.. mad

[@lucjo789]

Nice 1 Hanley has always been a sh!thole tbh

[@tdsikonik6686]

Ye accept mc Donalds

[@elfoxy1997]

@@lucjo789 just like Tamworth and most of the midlands, I've noticed more and more homeless out when I'm on a night out in town, house prices are exploding, problems only going to get a lot worse before it gets better (until people wake up and do something)

[@traww9537]

Most places are different 12 hours apart

[@gangstar8652]

They say it changes when the sun goes down, round here.

[@slimsterslim6531]

Lived there for 27 years. Such a shame, they are great people. Very straight and honest.

[@pamellajohnstone9711]

27 years ago I left my home and kids because I was on drugs and drink my husband was violent I had to leave after many violent episodes,so I too got a tent butbu wanted change and s better life and I made big efforts to change ,I eventually took the authorities to court for a place because I'd chosen where I am as safe.but I must say it wasn't easy.butbi did get off everything miraculously because I wanted to help myself I also prayed and met with God.and I'm still not looking God and am free of all drink and drugs.22 years free.completely.amen u can do it folks but it starts with you.x

[@silveribis55]

You're amazing

[@joski9030]

The people that feed these poor people are saints 👏🏻

[@copee2960]

The Problems in Stoke-On-Trent are deep rooted, the main problem is that the minimum wage rules in stoke, its that simple! here is a simple question, would any of the MP's who sit in parliament expect their children too go into work and do back breaking work for a minimum wage week in week out? I think we all know the answer to that question, but the fact is this, the ruling classes bombard us with fairy tales about princes and princess's getting wed and lets have it right who are our politicians too point their fingers at any other country and lecture them about so called criminal acts, it wasn't so long ago that the large majority of the so called Right Honourable Members of Parliament were caught red handed thieving in some cases tens of thousands of pounds of tax payers money, did we see the police filming themselves as they used the "frontdoor Key" to batter their way in to the homes of said criminals filming the act of putting the offenders in hand-cuffs whilst their children screamed.........NO WE DID NOT,but trust me if it had been you or me living in a council property that's what would of happened. People trust me OPEN YOUR EYES and look around you Black White Asian young and old we are all in the same boat. Adios for now and peace be with you.

[@PaulBadman]

seeing you can get a place for £400 amonth in stoke I don't see a problem

[@LabRat6619]

I used to work for Dalton's in Stoke and it looked run down then (90's ). Must look like Manila now

[@hh-ck3yw]

@@PaulBadman id spit on you

[@highdefinitionstanleytm9614]

The problem is these people don't work not that they work minimum pay jobs. I don't want my kids doing a back breaking low paid job that's why it's important they try hard and choose the right career.

[@aviewtoill]

So sad to see my home town, once a thriving industrial centre, in such a state. Just one of many towns around the UK in desperate need for help. I moved away 8 years ago. Yes I miss Stoke, but I would never go back.

[@bencrawshaw1227]

I was homeless for six years so I know exactly how they feel. It's a hopeless situation. I worked most my life previously and wasn't a drug addict. It can happen to anyone. The condemnation of people working in the police is completely inappropriate and not really what the police are there for.

[@TBOTSS]

The people on this video are ALL druggies who have messed up chance after chance.

[@jupo9928]

I remember reading that we're all only 3 missed rent/mortgage payments away from homelessness.

[@MrSandan03]

The fifth richest country in the world! how is this possible!

[@whatshisname3304]

how is what possible? Homelessness. well, that's been possible for ages. and its worse now. why should you be surprised?

[@skylined5534]

You ought to see Skid Row in Los Angeles!

[@alexharsenamal6616]

Ask ur goverment

[@adambacker8178]

all those homeless should be housed, regardless of their issues or problems, end of story... Our government and councils are not civilised allowing homelessness to continue

[@adambacker8178]

@How Not To the vast majority do want to be housed and supported

[@journalismchik]

Cheers to the Guardian for this ‘Made in Stoke-on-Trent’ series it has been great. Quite eye opening. Such a sad affair.

[@geowynleda4641]

This is typical of Stoke-on-Trent council. The old hospital is empty, there is no sign of it being demolished. Surely it could be used as at least short-term accommodation for the homeless.

[@alanpartridge2140]

But then it needs to be somewhat converted and staffed. Both of which take time and are expensive for something that will most likely be temporary

[@starwarsroo2448]

Yeah I agree, but some effort is required on their part too in that they need to stop drinking and drugs every day. It's a 2 way street

[@naelyneurkopfen9741]

Alan Partridge that's what happens when you want daddy govt to solve your problems. If the PEOPLE would/ could get together & just do it, it'd be done! But, too many have clambered for "govt oversight", so they rob your paycheck & punish those in need.

[@leonwp60]

I live not far from stoke in a 54 flat care facility, we had a guy put in here as a tenant due to mobility difficulties, he was given a lovely flat, furnished, small charge out of his benefits for heat, light etc. The other residents rallied round to help him. One of the rules here is NO ILLEGAL DRUGS, within weeks the disruption caused by him and his "friends" trying to get in the building shouting and screaming at 1,2 and 3am, throwing stones at anyones windows to get them to let them in the building, ringing entry phones at all times, trying to get in flats of elderly and disabled people to steal, twice kicking in the front doors etc. He was warned abd warned and warned, after HUNDREDS of complaints his "friends" were served banning orders keeping them away so he couldnt get his drugs, he kicked off big time threatening staff and residents and when that didnt work he set fire to his flat by turning oven and cooking rings on full and pouring cooking oil on it. It took 12 firefighters 2 hours to make it safe. Obviously he was kicked out, it took 3 months of misery to 53 others tenants including his 95 year old neighbour to get rid of him. So do i have sympathy?? Not a lot.

[@codzydee1870]

more fool yous

[@eddladio8096]

One man doesn't explain a million people stop generalising the many by the the few, probably had life handed to you on a plate to hold such narrow opinions of society's weakest

[@davidchesworth9110]

Lou Macari, ex Man Utd player and Stoke City manager, does exceptional work in the city with his homeless shelter.

[@Yu-gi-ohyeah]

Its the other way around, because they smoke it. Im an addict free of drugs for 14 months. Took me long to realize it was my own problem, almost ended on the street. Never want to go back there. I got my life back.

[@jacoblion6625]

We need more pieces of journalism like this

[@mohammedqadeer8472]

Great work

[@debbiebeckett2389]

Such a shame, I’m in Hanley most days shopping - I feel so sorry for them - literally all over the streets, seen so many different incidents ... very sad

[@KentDonaldson]

"Barred from one place (hostel) for drug taking". Some people are beyond help.

[@whatyougot2108]

Miss my home town stoke but I’m so glad I’m in Australia now it’s a pity to see what it’s becoming, but it’s good to see people giving and helping the homeless

[@Tinyman.]

hey ryan hows it goin over there we miss u bud. frankie got on the gear :(

[@G-Dogg98]

If someone from stoke had a chance to move to Australia would you recommend it

[@Tinyman.]

@@G-Dogg98 100%

[@craigboden9455]

@@Tinyman. freaky?

[@Tinyman.]

@@craigboden9455 small world...

[@KingUsyk]

I ended up in Stoke when I was cast out of heaven, great place

[@sonicbadger4279]

I'm surprised you could tell the difference

[@nikunashi3494]

I'm from Stoke. Lived there 30 years. Moved to Tokyo 10 years ago (yes it can be done, work hard, focus and don't give up). Last time I went back for a visit in 2017 I went to Hanley town center, it was unbelievable how many homeless, alcohol drug users were just sitting around the squares.

[@Chuckmanyoudonut]

What is your picture from I have it on a t shirt but I have no clue is it a book ?

[@nikunashi3494]

@@Chuckmanyoudonut it's a Japanese artist. His name is Hajime Sorayama.

[@Chuckmanyoudonut]

@@nikunashi3494 amazing thankyou so much

[@fearfactorymark]

Nothing but respect for the ppl who try to feed em

[@jamestaylor2376]

Glad to see another documentary showing the positive side of stoke on trent ffs its like kicking a man when hes down

[@seanmccaughey2166]

Stoke on tent?

[@2Edgy4ThisPlanet]

Sean Mathews jahahahahahahhahahahahah dead

[@xenozilla3677]

Sean Mathews yes my home

[@odysian]

Yeah, my home

[@mjag2834]

Eee Bye Gum.

[@fatyowls]

I had to look at that twice..😁

[@briandoyle667]

Excellent!! a big eye opener!! These councils take everything away and just expect people to deal with it just as they took away all the childrens play areas and then complain about children playing in the streets!! Someone needs get a grip and do some proper planning for a change!!

[@OfficialFingazMC]

I was sleeping on the streets not so long ago, I'm still NFA at the moment but luckily I've managed to sofa surf through the winter thank god. But the situation is dire in Stoke for homeless people. Especially with mental health and addiction problems.

[@tinman3952]

Fingaz Mc I've slept rough before. I'd just move to a city with better resources for homeless. Manchester or Birmingham for them. I moved to Nottingham, lived in a nightshelter which made me high priority for a flat. This nightshelter even had flats above it which you move into, then eventually move into your own flat. Obviously addiction plays a big part.

[@MSHCentral]

It’s sad they smoke it to cope with been on the street, but it’s that that is keeping them on the street

[@theafricanqueencess]

I know it’s so ironic I pray for a stop to homelessness .. everyone deserve a hike a place to lay your head and feel safe .

[@willow2348]

That guy at the beginning is called Tyrone, the one who asks what the problem is. He was in the year below me. He was a knob as a kid too

[@carlalucy7304]

Just seen this with my dad in it love u dad ❤️💞

[@jscotland3148]

Who's your dad's?

[@figaroo9306]

Im her daddy

[@xenozilla3677]

I live in stoke on trent (Sees stoke in video CLICK)

[@pagangamer87]

Same.

[@robbo6314]

Same

[@Bananamandingho]

Hah unlucky 😄

[@Saacary]

Innit 😂😂

[@cassiiboxzombii5199]

Same

[@alsped8695]

Why are we sending money abroad to countries that don't deserve help or won't help themselves?? Charity starts at home.

[@theafricanqueencess]

@@Lleeeot I’m glad you said this

[@faithlesshound5621]

The "charity begins at home" people aren't noted for being charitable at home either.

[@Angus1966]

Same for the homeless young and old in Sydney Australia. It is global.

[@vintage1950]

Went to stoke once. Has the most depressing feeling about it.

[@lucjo789]

Try having it as your hometown lol

[@01270211136]

It is a toilet that needs bleaching. In fact, Napalming!!! MOST VILE CITY IN BRITAIN.

[@jonnynocrielli621]

Stepping out of Stoke train station feels like your in Beirut

[@hh-ck3yw]

@@01270211136 agreed the place needs burning down

[@elizbethdryburgh.8765]

@@01270211136 why the hate and sarcasm.

[@diezelmorar3203]

I live in stoke and it is a big problem recently in Hanley

[@davidwood4374]

Madness. Where has the compassion gone? Good on the public at pushing back at the Council.

[@georgewood9482]

Those plastic sheets of their tents are actually making them colder. It will hold in condensation making their clothes and bedding damp, which will freeze over night...

[@ksav4330]

You don't take drugs because you're on the streets, you're on the streets because you take drugs.

[@marklane5222]

How would you know.?

[@abc-ni9uw]

7:35 guy in space raiders crisps t shirt 😃

[@babygirldelrey5759]

God bless everyone 😍😍😍

[@JD-bn5pw]

Babygirl DelRey I just want you to know your a very beautiful human being, I’m 35 from the UK 😎😍

[@casualluke1978]

Why does everyone else manage to get a job, house and make a good living but these can’t ?

[@reacey]

You win dumbest comment prize

[@doszl]

They're all there from choice. If drugs n drinks take priority then so be it.

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

Homeless people can have their dignity and respect. No need to make your situation a lot worse by being addicted to drugs. But,of course,no one really knows what these people are going through because most of us havent beein in that situation.

[@tbcbad]

It’s sad that most of u think it’s just as easy as that to just stop drugs and never use again😩

[@scothodgson9607]

If i had to live in a tent id be in woods with camp fire not no shop door way .

[@cosmiclight81]

Same as that. My dream is a treehouse or log cabin, I'd be so happy living like that. Tempted to go on a foraging course so I'm prepared. If addictions are dealt with and you've done the self- healing, it would be a lovely way to live off the land, respectfully. Peace x

[@aydan0161]

I've always thought this.. even living completely feral seems like a more wholesome life than on the streets.

[@Exnavyjay]

If you offer people places in hostels and they get kicked out for drug taking, what else can you do?

[@rosierogers417]

To those who are sleeping in their own bed tonight please dont judge, just be happy you arent homeless. Homelessness can happen for a number of reasons and not all are associated with drugs/crimes!

[@ivi6054]

Wow..this is crazy

[@andreapaul9832]

These people do not help themselves!! They are offered shelter, food and safety at places like the salvation army in Stoke but because they do not declare their drugs and drink they are refused any help....you can't help people who don't want to help themselves!! What's more important? Your life or being off your face on drugs/ drink? Me and my colleagues see it daily, people do try and help them, they give them money and food then their back in every shop in Stoke stealing, fighting and just causing trouble for hard working people who also have daily struggles like everyone does....

[@codzydee1870]

agree with you!

[@geezertalk]

It's really hard to care for yourself in a society that doesn't care until you are dead and even then it's only your family that care, we are so disconnected from eachother we forget really we are social creatures, we live for eachother, self destruction is a real problem and when you don't care about yourself you don't mind harming yourself for a bit of relief you can do that till you die so you don't have to live your life you just numb it, it's depression, really these people have fallen so out of society because we let them then they are caught in a mental cycle of wanting to die but feeling it's too selfish, it takes self love, but it takes a lot to love yourself especially when exposed to that part of society

[@scotlandabdn]

What a shocking situation I hope it gets better. I stay on a farm miles away from anywhere i feel blessed right now. 1000 fine for pitching a tent.... who ever made that decision your going straight to hell with no pass go... these people just want to live and stay warm for gods sake it's never to late to help anyone please!!! no one should just be left on the streets its plain wrong....

[@israeladesanya4596]

If they quit the drugs they were on, theyd have a nice warm home.

[@MrAns786]

Agree with you, unfortunately we live in a selfish/greedy society.

[@garypearson4362]

My heart breaks listening to these stories... I pray I can somehow help one day soon. I ❤ stoke.

[@killerjoe3025]

Choosing drugs instead of a home they make the money for there habit

[@sallybaddeley6060]

I no, canst theit just kick a bo againt a wo an' an yed in bac and boss it?.. like we used to duck.

[@Tonyisnotonfire]

Isn’t a choice for a lot of people :(

[@sallybaddeley6060]

It's an unfair choice, because the suffering is too much and almost all of us in those circumstances would do anything to numb the pain so we could carry on... but it's still a choice.

[@SystemNutrition]

was that English

[@sallybaddeley6060]

If you mean my first comment Plantstar... It's potteries dialect. A local saying is "canst theit kick a bo againt a wo an' an yed in bac and boss it" it means "can't you kick a ball against a wall, head it back and burst it."

[@dalemcd91]

Much love to the people in the tents

[@lazarusblackwell6988]

I cant imagine what it must be like for those people in autumn and winter when its cold and damp. When i get my money,im going to open a free shelter for all who need it. Free food,water,housing.

[@thewaywardgrape3838]

Fine people with zero income for trying to survive, yet pay a council manager £100k+ to ensure the rule is effective.

[@alanpartridge2140]

Fine people addicted to drugs. What's to say the council manager isn't also a fine person, if you were offered his job for £100k I'm sure you'd take it.

[@contemplating1015]

@@alanpartridge2140 not sure that's the point mate...

[@Kyle-jg7qr]

Edoy # I think it was the point, a lot of homeless people have put themselves in this position and not taken advantage of the help they have been provided. Why is it that other people can get given a flat or house but these people can’t ? A lot of them have chose drink and drugs over everything and now pay the price. Life’s hard but it’s easier in uk than most places. Opportunity is everywhere. It shouldn’t make those who have taken advantage of the system feel bad for those who haven’t.

[@jackturnbull3719]

"Stan and Yvonne have been offered places at hostels, but they were barred from one place for drug taking, another of the shelters don't let couples stay together, so for now they prefer to stay together in a tent." Their choice. No sympathy.

[@crownjohn6666]

bob no it's not like that one of my friend came from a really bad family his father is alcoholic and he had to move from one foster home to another but he knew what's good or bad he never took drugs or make any problems he now finished the master work for a pharmaceutical company it's up to yourself to make your life better these people in the video they have been given their chances they did not appreciate it so I feel no sympathy for them at all also do not blame the government the government did its best to help these people but it's their own problems

[@Richjack3]

If only addictions were "Oh this is doing me bad, I'll just stop" the world would be a very different place.

[@starwarsroo2448]

They've made their sleeping bag and now they're going to have to lie in it

[@starwarsroo2448]

perci 88 just try putting other people first instead of obsessing over yourself and getting batrered every second of the day. I mean it's Stoke I kmow everyone has something but some people just flush their lives away because they want be fucked all the time

[@starwarsroo2448]

Sticky Nugz unfortunately most institutions say don't give them money for drugs are you are just basically giving them what they need to kill themselves

[@DavidBrown-xz3mj]

I feel sorry for those addicted to drugs and the complication of mental illness I did various drugs 8 years and alcahol 40 years I have been clean 3.5 years I traded one bad habit for a lesser bad habit and just continued looking at it over time you see the good of it love and respect for your journey

[@susieenglish302]

Stoke On Trent - lived there 4 years - dumpville

[@owen7185]

It’s disgusting treating homeless like this, shameful.

[@donny8930]

So glad that was an inhaler at the end

[@RobertBryanClough]

Get home safe guys.

[@CharlieEdward25]

how hard is it to make a building for the homeless that helps them into getting into more perm housing seems crazy to me sometimes i wish i could get up and do it

[@richardalex9428]

It just keeps him stable and warms him up. There’s your main hurdle. You think it’s the solution, when it’s really the cause.

[@garethhook9972]

Stoke has a really problem with money dust

[@martinjp1]

Keep up the good work, Jeannette!

[@nopretribrapture2318]

Ebay sell very inexpensive foil type emergency blankets,,ive bought a load to distribute out to homeless, they help to keep warm.also alot of charity shops may give some clothes that don't sell in the shops. .sadly most charity shops throw good quality items in the bins to then end up at landfills. .sickening..

[@rogerfrancis65]

Drinking and using drugs to numb a situation will only lead you deeper in to the situation, you need to get clean and sort your head out first.

[@TheEntertainmentsOnMe]

So bloody sad

[@retrogta3692]

8:58 why?!

[@sarahleighj971]

I used to live in hanaly

[@andyharpist2938]

why is giving someone a tent illegal?

[@wesleyashworth5061]

Hang on did he just mention Stoke in the same breath as City of Culture ?? 😂

[@SerenaBlondey13]

And I chose to move here from Cambridge 😂

[@skylined5534]

To be fair after driving through the less savoury bits of cambridge recently I was happy to be on my way out of there 😂

[@lesmoor001]

we can never ask why

[@dampesthydra7422]

To anyone reading who lives in Stoke on trent in or near Bardley green, gerald frost was my uncle i just wanted to say idk why but I did

[@annettegiblin5954]

3:58 is that derrick acorah?

[@eizabethevans3054]

You are quite right I don't know every body's situation , considering that there are thousands of homeless people they can't all say the same thing " I came from a bad home, or I was sexually abused," that seems to be the general reason a homeless person will give. I couldn't for the life of me live away from my home , and what happens to people who get to old to survive , where do the go ? It doesn't bear thinking about.

[@JamieR1988]

I'm sorry, but I was homeless for about 7 weeks. Slept rough etc etc etc. I have zero sympathy for any of them. They're all there through choice. None of them have to sleep rough. None of them have to be on drugs/drink and none of them have to be unemployed. This isn't an issue that needs any attention. If they want to be in a nice warm home with money in the bank, then they need to go get it. It's not the government's responsibility to help any of these people. Showing sympathy or giving them hand outs only enables them. Call me what you like, but I'm not wrong.

[@Chozenfew73]

Exactly,they don't want a house because it means less money for drugs or drink,these people are the ones who rob us on a daily basis and deserve zero help.

[@lanalana5835]

Drug addiction is a disease, the government does provide free rehabs etc but if you gotta wait months to get a simple appointment imagine what it’s like being on a waiting list for free rehab. It’s hard when you’re surrounded by drugs, on the streets with no support to get over your addiction. Not an excuse but it does make it harder.

[@liziramsden4091]

Elliot Broadhurst nor do they have a permanent postal address hence no possibility of a job

[@steveeyre6975]

What's on your chest --- mamba. No disrespect, climb out of your hole. Cut out the dead wood -- Your partner, your not helping each other & stop taking drugs. And don't say, I don't know what I'm on about, me myself ex Smack head 13 years WAS doing it.If you wanted the help and advice ,and you've been offered but you got chucked out for taking drugs. NO SYMPATHY

[@RallyandTrail]

Steve Eyre Well done mate 👍🏻 But unfortunately not everyone has your mental strength ,A lot of people have deep mental scars originating from childhood sexual and or physical abuse etc. My son was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was 18,If I stopped taking care of him or If something happens to me he'll be on the streets .my point is many of these people can't function like we can so are unable to help themselves.

[@mroldraver]

this is my home city & I'm proud of it, but what a f-ing mess this issue is..the council spent £7 million on 'out side consultants' image spending 7 mill on the homeless

[@TheFunktipus1]

Should rename Stoke on Trent to Stuck in Tent....... I can hear the tumbleweeds.

[@kenleo8237]

I'm totally stoked on trent

[@simon1985jm]

I read it as stoke in tent.

[@giveusanepleasebob992]

Why are they not being put in 5 star hotels.

[@edsnell72]

It’s stoke there isn’t any, I’m from Stoke-On-Trent. It’s not nice trust me this is 3 years ago, it’s much worse now! The police don’t do anything, nor does the council.

[@andyharpist2938]

I was told its safer on the street than in a hostel with aggressive gangs

[@tobylunt2012]

Stoke on Trent, it’s stoke on Trent (oh yeah) Historic city on the river Trent

[@SystemNutrition]

stoke-in-tent

[@joerivandeweyer3056]

When are going to change the name to Stoke-On-Tent?

[@DerpsterTV]

Ohhhh it's difficult to see such cringe from my home city. RIP SOT

[@daveclarke8913]

It should be re-named.. Stoke on.. TENT

[@robmckay5700]

Expecting someone who cant afford a £100 rent to pay a £1000 fine is a level of stupidity that could only come from a councillor

[@adeferranti4610]

£1000 says if every rough sleeper got themselves arrested and put in jail at a cost of £500 a week, within 6 months the council and the government would have shelters everywhere, Money talks, and the top brass don't like spending it, Jail would be my move if l lived on the streets, guaranteed

[@MrKellyv1]

If one can't see the problem with consumer society from this... one never will-- unless you fall to the "other side".

[@tomthekat2826]

Instead of catching criminals you take sleeping bags and tents of homeless people great police work 👏

[@skipeveryday7282]

Jannett is an angel.

[@davidsierowski8021]

next to ymca with about ~million income every year

[@stevenmessenger7924]

All the fine is for is to get the homeless put in prison for not being able to pay it. It's the easiest way for the government and local councils to get rough sleepers off the street. Many probably do deserve to be in prison because of the drugs, alcohol and behavior. But I feel sorry for the ones that ended up on the streets due to no fault of their own due to housing and finance issues or relationship breakdowns, abuse or mental health problems not caused by addiction