Pressure mounts to rehouse homeless people from Portsmouth hotel amid more reports of anti-social behaviour

The Ibis Hotel in Fratton Way, in Southsea, has been used by Portsmouth City Council as a temporary shelter for homeless people since April, allowing them to self-isolate during the pandemic.

However, residents of the Vista Apartments in Fratton Way, in Portsmouth, which neighbours the Ibis Hotel, say 'constant crime and disruption' next door has led to sleepless nights.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'I am mentally and physically drained.

'I have been suffering for the last four months with a lack of a no sleep most nights due to the residents at the Ibis Budget Hotel

'I was woken up this morning at 3.45am by a male from the hotel shouting and swearing and threatening to knife somebody.'

A 35-year-old resident added: 'We have reported a female to the police. She was either drunk or drug induced shouting, obstructing traffic and intimidating public on the walkway every day and night particularly at 4am and at 7am.'

On Tuesday, July 28 a spokesman for Hampshire police said: 'I can confirm we received a report at 8.04am this morning regarding a woman shouting in the road on Fratton Way, before she returned to the Ibis Hotel

'We are aware of concerns from residents and businesses concerning anti-social behaviour in the area. We will respond to reports of crime and we are continuing patrols in the area.'

The cost of housing people in the hotel during lockdown has been covered by government funding. However, council leader, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said the cash for this was due to end this month.

'I am hopeful we will have a date soon but can't say yet when people will move out,' he said.

SEE ALSO: Second floor of Southsea Ibis Hotel evacuated after fire

As recently reported the council is looking to bid for a slice of more than £120m aimed at providing homes for rough sleepers and ‘sofa surfers’ for the next 12 months, while a more permanent solution is found.

Cllr Vernon-Jackson added: 'We are working to find homes for different groups of people. For some we are looking to find them privately rented homes and we are working with landlords.

'Usually our hostel can house 57 people at night but because of social distancing this has reduced to 18 so that adds to the pressure.'

A council spokesman added: 'We've been in regular contact with nearby residents and are aware that there have been some unfortunate issues caused by the behaviour of a minority of guests.

'Criminal incidents have been and will be dealt with in liaison with police.'

A police dispersal zone was put in place around the Ibis Hotel in Fratton Way in April.

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