Cabins to be installed on Anglesey to meet homelessness problems during coronavirus pandemic

A spike in emergency accommodation requests on Anglesey has prompted the council to install cabins to help protect the homeless from Coronavirus.

According to Anglesey Council, the last few weeks has seen a “significant increase” in the number of people requiring emergency accommodation, jumping to 31 compared to just 13 this time last year.

As a result, this has prompted council officers to install nine temporary cabins on land it already owns near the former Plas Penlan residential home in Llangefni, where they will remain for a maximum of 12 months.

“These cabins will enable us to protect vulnerable residents in our community,” said the council’s head of housing, Ned Michael.

“We have seen a significant increase in the number of residents on the island who need temporary emergency accommodation.

“This time last year, we had 13 individuals in emergency accommodation, last week we had 31 individuals in need of emergency accommodation.

“That shows the increase in demand for emergency accommodation we have experienced since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

According to the authority, the Plas Penlan site was chosen due to already having access to water, electricity and other such utilities, with the permitted development following the new temporary planning guidelines put in place by the Welsh Government.

A spokesman added that both the fire service and police have been consulted and will be monitored by a CCTV system, with nearby residents also having been contacted via letter.

He added that those living in the cabins will be informed of the social distancing requirements before they move in.

Housing portfolio holder, Cllr Alun Mummery, concluded “We understand that being told of temporary developments like this at short notice might cause concern for residents but it must be emphasised that this is a temporary measure.

“Housing officers are currently working under very difficult conditions and providing this emergency accommodation is a requirement.

“The cabins at Plas Penlan will increase the emergency accommodation available for vulnerable individuals.”

He added that when there are any changes in the Government social distancing measures, housing services will to their best to move people who are staying in the cabins as soon as possible, with the intention of making sure they are able to get a permanent home or return to their main residence.

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter