Nottingham's historic Rock Cemetery forced to close after homeless group left 'drugs and faeces'
The group have remained in the cemetery despite Council efforts to move them on
A historic Nottingham cemetery is to close to allow the removal of a homeless group who have left drug paraphernalia and human excrement in sight of visitors.
Rock Cemetery, on the corner of Mansfield Road and Forest Road East in the city centre, will shut its doors on Monday, August 12, for an initial two-week period.
Nottingham City Council says that a small encampment of people moved into the cemetery grounds around three months ago with tents.
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Since then, there have been numerous anti-social behaviour reports, including the presence of drug paraphernalia, litter and human excrement left on the ground.
Staff have spent several weeks trying to encourage the group to move on, including offering Street Outreach support, but they remain on site.
A number of complaints have been made to Nottingham City Council from visitors who feel intimidated by their presence.
A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said: “We believe that the people currently camping at Rock Cemetery are homeless and we’ve tried on numerous occasions to explain to them that they need to move on, while highlighting local support services.
“Cemeteries are public spaces for reflection and not at all suitable for people to be living. There have also been complaints recently and staff are repeatedly having to clear away litter and human waste, as well as there being clear evidence of drug-taking.
“We have a duty to make sure the site is clean and safe for those who want to visit and pay their respects to loved ones, so have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close while we begin the formal process of getting the group to leave the site.
“The council will ensure that everyone is offered advice and support to help them find a permanent place to live.
“We’ll aim to deal with this matter as quickly as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused in the meantime.”
If you see someone rough-sleeping in Nottingham, contact Street Outreach on 0800 066 5356.