First homeless tenants move into former student block

The first tenants have moved into a former student accommodation block now offering temporary housing for homeless people.

Shropshire Council said ten people had moved to The Tannery in Shrewsbury from "costly" B&B accommodation.

A further 50 are due to move in over the coming weeks, it added.

Patrick, who has moved in, said: "Since moving here it feels like The Ritz, especially with all the support I get and the good feeling about the place."

In comparison, he said it was "horrible" when he first moved into temporary accommodation, adding, "I just sat on the bed and cried".

The council said the Tannery East building featured "much-improved living spaces that feature self-contained bathroom facilities and shared kitchens".

Residents will have access to onsite housing support workers, as well as employment specialists, and the building is managed by staff around the clock.

The council said the new tenants especially appreciated the chance to prepare and cook their own food, which fostered "a sense of independence and wellbeing".

Dean Carroll, the councillor responsible for housing, said the site was a "milestone" which both saved the authority money and made use of an unused asset.

The student rooms became vacant after the closure of University Centre Shrewsbury in March.

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