On 6 March 2026, Cheltenham Borough Council announced it is working with the police and local charities to provide more support for people sleeping in tents around the town centre in Gloucestershire.
This work involves teams from Gloucestershire Police and the charity Julian House going out to speak with people to offer housing advice and health help. The council also provides a safe place to stay hub and a special team to help those with more difficult housing and health needs.
The announcement comes just before the start of the Cheltenham Festival, following concerns from the public about the number of tents in the town centre. While the council wants to keep the area welcoming for visitors and residents, they say these support services run all year round rather than just during big events.
Councillor Rowena Hay, the leader of the council, said the authority will continue to take action to look after the welfare of people in tents while making sure the town remains a safe place. Other partners involved in the project include the housing charity P3 Charity.
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