A HOSTEL for homeless people will close at the end of the year, the Chronicle understands.
Holden House, on Race Street, Barnsley, is a 42-bed hostel which provides a supported housing service for those who find themselves homeless.
The hostel, formerly the Race Street baths, has been in operation since the 1990s, and the building is owned by Barnsley Council.
It has long been the subject of complaints from local residents amid concerns about the behaviour of the people living and those who congregate around the building.
Earlier this year, staff at the hostel reported a growing number of street drinkers, drug dealers and gang members congregating outside, creating an intimidating atmosphere for both staff and residents.
Staff said they had to deal with near daily occurrences of overdose from the synthetic cannabinoid drug Spice on their doorstep, sometimes several times a day.
Coun Jenny Platts said the council was looking at how best it provides accommodation and support to those who use the service.
She said: “Holden House property has for many years been used as supported housing for people with multiple complex needs, however we believe that now is the right time to look at how best we provide accommodation and support for this group of people.
“We’re in the early stages of this work and are working closely with all stakeholders.”
The building is currently under a long term lease to Riverside, a national housing association, and Barnsley Futures, a support service commissioned by Barnsley Council, is operated from it.
Cath McAndry is director of operations at Riverside Care and Support.
She said: “Until April 2017, Riverside provided a supported housing service for homeless people at Holden House until the service was recommissioned to West Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (WYCRC).
“We understand that the council and WYCRC have mutually agreed to terminate the contract for this service at Holden House, and are looking to provide alternative housing and support for residents.
“Riverside and partner agencies are assisting WYCRC and Barnsley Council to help rehouse residents in to alternative accommodation.
“We are now exploring options for the longer term use of Holden House and Holden Court.”
Nobody at Barnsley Futures was available for comment.
