A homeless encampment under the entrance of a former shopping centre in Northampton has now been cleared and the site secured, says West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

The entrance area of the former Market Walk shopping centre in the Market Square, which forms part of the building set to become STACK, had been used by rough sleepers for several months and was previously reported on by the Chronicle & Echo in May.

WNC said this week (Wednesday July 1) that the site has been secured to prevent unauthorised access.

A council spokesperson said: “The site has been secured to prevent unauthorised access. Three individuals were present at the time who are known to the council’s Outreach Team. The team continues to work with them and others in the town centre to help secure suitable accommodation and provide advice and support.”

The entrance area, which forms part of the building set to become STACK Northampton, had been used by rough sleepers for several months before being fenced off by WNC at the end of June.

placeholder image — The entrance area, which forms part of the building set to become STACK Northampton, had been used by rough sleepers for several months before being fenced off by WNC at the end of June.

The encampment had been growing over the weeks before it was cleared.

WNC has previously said it is working to bring “new energy” to the Market Square area by creating a “safer, more welcoming and successful town centre for residents, visitors and businesses.”