Council Implements 24-hour Support at Silverdale

In order to reassure some Johnston residents regarding anti-social behaviour at Silverdale Lodge, Pembrokeshire County Council is implementing – with its partner agencies – a 24/7 support service for the facility.

The support service will be operated by the Pobl Group and Goleudy who will work intensively with the Lodge’s residents to assist with access to additional support services, benefits and secure longer-term housing.

The service will also be ensuring that residents adhere to their terms and conditions while at the Silverdale.

Enhanced security measures are also being put in place. These include motion sensors, external lighting and an entry system.

It is anticipated that the 24/7 support service and the additional measures taken will have a positive impact on the Silverdale residents and also alleviate some of the local community’s concerns.

The Silverdale came into use by the Council as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic when Welsh Government instructed all Welsh local authorities that any homeless person should be offered temporary accommodation if needed.

This immediately resulted in a significant increase in the number of people requiring temporary accommodation,

Anyone with concerns or questions regarding the project should email: housingCLO@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or phone: 01437 764551 and ask to speak to the Customer Liaison Team.

They will collate all enquiries and ensure a response is delivered.

Michelle Bateman, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, explained: “We were made aware of a recent incident involving individuals temporarily housed at the Silverdale. Together with the police, we quickly took action to remove them.

“We take any reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and will not tolerate individuals acting in a way which impacts negatively on other residents or the community.

“We recognise that while the Johnston community support those faced with homelessness, they have genuine concerns due to the behaviour of a minority of the Silverdale tenants.

“We hope that by introducing a single point of contact for the community, we can collate concerns and deal with them quickly. We would like to reassure residents and the community that we take their safety seriously.”

In response to enquiries received regarding how the community could support some of the Silverdale residents, the Council is now working with the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services (PAVS).

PAVS has a dedicated Community Connector – Mia Gillies – who will work with the community to foster greater cohesion and communication between local and temporary residents.

Within her role as Community Connector, she can signpost people to organisations offering information, advice and assistance, volunteering opportunities and support individuals to access a range of activities.

Mia Gillies can be contacted on: 07595 192931.