People living in tents in Stockport town centre have been moved on after Stockport Homes and the council claimed possession of the land.

Tents were set up on Edward Street outside the offices of Stockport Homes and opposite the town hall in May, with people found to be living inside.

But the social-housing provider and council applied to reclaim the land through a possession order, with the tents being removed yesterday evening (August 14).

The claim form showed there to be six people living in the makeshift camp.

Stockport Homes said out of area accommodation has been offered to all the individuals who were there, but it said these offers were declined.

It also said that several appointments were made to discuss different housing options available.

A spokesperson added: "While there are significant pressures on the housing system, support is available, and our priority is to ensure it reaches those who need it most.

"Sadly, because there isn't enough accommodation locally, we sometimes have to offer housing outside the borough – but this is always with the aim of making sure people have somewhere safe and secure to stay."

Stockport is under growing pressure with housing and homelessness, with thousands of people waiting for social housing in the borough.

Stockport council also revealed recently that it is set to spend £2m on emergency housing – double the figure from last year.

In May, one of the family's living in a tent in the town centre said they had come to the UK from Iraq and wanted to settle in the borough.

Stockport Homes said at the time that the family had been given support but that an offer of accommodation outside the borough was declined.

Tents remained opposite the town hall for months before being cleared this week.

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