PEOPLE leaving near a temporary homeless hostel during the Covid-19 crisis fear it could become a permanent refuge.

They have voiced concerns to Somerset West and Taunton Council, which is considering whether Canonsgrove could become a permanent hostel.

Trull Residents’ Group has recorded several incidents they say make the site inappropriate, including verbal abuse, trespassing, drugs, drunkenness, urinating in public, shouting at 3am, flouting Covid-19 measures, littering and obstructing the road.

A statement from TRG says members have supported Canonsgrove’s use as “temporary emergency accommodation for homeless people” during the pandemic.

It adds: “Despite strong evidence that the Canonsgrove model is not the best way of helping people out of homelessness, and the resulting crime/anti-social behaviour in the villages, SWT is now exploring expanding Canonsgrove as a sizeable permanent hub for homeless people across the district.

“The community has a strong desire to see proper provision to support homeless people, but the problems at Canonsgrove have led to opposition to its permanent use.

“SWT have not only moved people from Lindley House (run by Arc, in East Reach) to Canonsgrove, but have also accommodated homeless people from across the district and sometimes beyond the council area.”

The group adds: “Council officers have run ahead with work that assumes that Canonsgrove is the way forward, spending £10,000 of SWT taxpayers’ money on a viability appraisal focused on Canonsgrove, despite...evidence the site would create worse and more costly, long-term outcomes for homeless people and the council.”

SWT executive member for housing Cllr Fran Smith said Canonsgrove is one option being considered as long term homeless accommodation.

Cllr Smith added: “SWT and YMCA Dulverton Group are committed to addressing the concerns that have been raised by residents of Trull regarding Canonsgrove.

“The complaints we have received are in relation to a small number of clients. We have already put more robust measures in place to address the behaviour of those causing concern and will continue to work hard to resolve any issues being experienced by residents.”