Rough sleepers occupying Belvedere police station have refused offers of help, Bexley Council has said.

The group reportedly moved into the now-closed cop shop in Nuxley Road last month. 

Scotland Yard sold the building last year for a reported £1.3m, with developers snapping up the station with the intention to build flats.

The former nick has now become home to a “small” number of rough sleepers.

Belvedere Labour, whose councillors represent the ward, said: “A number of residents have raised concerns over rough sleepers at the old Belvedere police station.

“Your councillors have been liaising with council officers and Street Link, but offers of assistance have been refused by those sleeping rough.

 

“Councillors will continue to explore options for assistance.”

Bexley Council said it is aware of the group, but attempts to help have so far been ignored.

A spokesman for Bexley Council said: “We’re aware of a small group of reported rough sleepers located at this site.

“Our homelessness prevention and advice team are working with our community safety coordinator and the local safer neighbourhood teams to help resolve their situation.

“We’re also working closely with the outreach team from Street Link, to help put the group in touch with reconnection services.

“The group have not yet used the services and support offered, however we will continue to explore all avenues by working with our partners to resolve their rough sleeping.”

Homelessness has been on the rise for the past seven years, with around 4,750 people estimated to be sleeping rough on any given night in England in 2017.

In south-east London there has been a 150 per cent increase in rough sleeping from 2010 to 2017.

Figures published last year showed that in Bexley the number of rough sleepers had increased to 17 from 11 between 2016 and 2017, which although relatively low is reflective of a national pattern.

Recently, plans have been submitted to bulldoze the police station to make way for 26 flats.