HOUSING pods are to be installed in Winnersh to help the council alleviate homelessness.
Council leader John Halsall said that 23 units are planned for Grovelands as a way of helping people have a roof over their heads.
“Since March 2020, we’ve got rough sleepers off the roads; as a borough, we’re pretty rough sleeper free although there is one person who doesn’t want the support,” he said.
The pods will be pre-fabricated houses, ready for people to move in to.
In December, 40 modular pods built from shopping containers were installed in Caversham by Reading Borough Council. As part of this, there was support on-site provided by St Mungo’s, a chance to engage with a recovery college, and use shared facilities such as a laundry room.
The homes were fitted out with a kettle, microwave, toaster, TV, crockery and bedding, and had their own private bathroom.
It is not yet known how the Winnersh pods will vary, but Cllr Halsall said: “I’m told they are really nice. I’ve been really interested to see them.”
He added: “We’ve found in Wokingham that if we offer people decent homes and maintain them, they continue to be maintained as decent houses.”
He expected a similar response from those who move into these pods.
