Homeless turn Southsea Ibis hotel into 'massive cesspit' with faeces 'left everywhere' and items smashed

Rough sleepers at the Southsea Ibis Hotel, Fratton Way, have been accused of breaking mirrors, ruining carpets and smashing televisions in rooms - with some opportunists even trying to sell them.

The anti-social behaviour that has blighted the hotel since homeless people were placed there following lockdown has also seen food thrown around, spray paint plastered across the building and rubbish indiscriminately dumped.

The latest episodes at the hotel follow a litany of recent incidents including a man being jailed for carrying a Stanley knife, drunk rough sleepers flouting lockdown rules by ‘running the streets’ and committing crimes, and a police dispersal order being issued.

But despite attempts to keep a lid on trouble, issues continue to hound the venue according to an insider, who said: ‘There is human faeces and (urine) everywhere. Food chucked around and up the walls, spray paint everywhere in there and rubbish.

‘The place has been turned into a massive cesspit most likely infested with flea and bed bugs since they are allowing dogs into the building.

‘Mirrors have been smashed, carpets ruined. They have smashed the TV’s in the rooms and even tried to remove them off the walls to sell them.’

The source added: ‘To think the council was good enough to pay for them to self isolate in hotels in comfort, warmth and safety with taxpayers money and they have done this.’

Portsmouth City Council and the Ibis hotel admitted they were ‘aware of issues’ but along with homeless charities The Society of St James and Two Saints had ‘reduced’ problems.

James Hill, director of housing at the council, said: ‘People who sleep rough are particularly vulnerable and supporting them is a top priority.

‘At the end of March the government instructed councils to provide accommodation to enable social distancing and self-isolation for people who did not have permanent homes.

‘We're aware of some issues and we're doing all we can to minimise this by working with our partners.

‘Incidents are being reviewed on an ongoing basis and incidence of criminality have been and will be dealt with in liaison with the police.’

A spokeswoman for the hotel said: ‘The hotel general manager and maintenance team carry out daily checks and repairs to ensure the continued safety of the fabric of the building.

‘A process is already in place to manage a comprehensive deep clean and full maintenance of the hotel before it reopens to the public after this crisis.

‘We continue to work closely with the police and council to manage the guests and minimise issues. We are confident Fort Roche, the new security partner, will be able to keep everything under control.’

A police spokesman said: ‘We are listening to the concerns of the community and will respond to any crimes reported to us.’

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