A man is being forced to sleep rough with his pet dog in the streets of Bracknell as the council has failed to find them a place to stay.
Barry Wilkinson aged 41, is born and bred from Bracknell but left the town in 2019 for Swindon with his pet dog Gypsy.
He returned to Bracknell in August last year prior to his father’s death in November, hoping for a turnaround in his life as he has been struggling with drug addiction for 15 years.
However, relationships with others broke down, prompting a brief return to Swindon. He is now back in Bracknell, hoping for some form of accommodation.
Mr Wilkinson says he can do nothing else but sleep rough in the town with Gypsy despite his pleas for assistance to Bracknell Forest Council.
He said: “I’ve ended up back in Bracknell, but they’re not willing to help me.
“I’m in the council every day, I’ve tried the out-of-hours crisis team, but I haven’t got anywhere.
“I think it’s absolutely disgusting.
“I’m a recovering drug addict. They don’t do nothing for me, they say there’s nothing they can do for me.
“I can’t go anywhere else because I don’t have any other local connections.”
Mr Wilkinson grew up in care in Bracknell. He’s resorted to wandering the town in an attempt to avoid other drug users, as he is currently six months sober from crack cocaine.
He explained: “I’m petrified by the thought of going back into addiction.
“These idiots [the council] are going to make me go back on drugs, I don’t want to do it, I want to move forward with my life. What is going on with this world?”
When he returned to Swindon, the council there attempted to move him up to Birmingham.
Photos provided by Mr Wilkinson show the poor conditions he has been left in.
Gypsy, a 10 year-old labsky bulldog, has a mobility buggy as she is suffering from arthritis, which Mr Wilkinson has medication for.
While it has been indicated that he has contact with the council, staff have so far been unable to help him.
Grainne Siggins, executive director of people, said: “While we cannot comment on individual cases, the council has a very proactive approach to support those who are rough sleeping and facing homelessness.
“We have a team of officers working to prevent and relieve anyone sleeping rough from becoming, or remaining, homeless.”
She went on to explain that the council has a duty to provide accommodation for people who have the right to stay in the UK, are homeless, and are judged to be a priority.
If a person does not have the criteria of being a priority need, the council is not required to find them accommodation.
It will still assist these people where possible, such as during extreme weather and using discretion to use emergency accommodation.
Mrs Siggins went on to explain the alternative support the council provides.
She continued: “We also offer a free and confidential service to anybody who is looking for help with drugs and alcohol addictions, through our drugs and alcohol service, New Hope.
“People are able to refer themselves, or be referred by a professional supporting them.
“Referral can be done via the form on our website, or they can speak to the team in person or over the phone to start the assessment process.
“We would encourage anybody in need to get in touch for support.
“If anyone has any concerns about someone sleeping rough, or they are sleeping rough themselves, we encourage them to contact StreetLink. This is a national platform connecting people who are rough sleeping to support provided by local authorities and charities.
“All StreetLink referrals come to our team who will then attempt to offer support and assistance to the person sleeping out.”
