Many homeless people in Windsor are in fact ‘professional beggars’ who work shifts to boost their earnings and take taxis home in the evenings, a driver has claimed.
In the shadow of the Queen’s residence a homeless community has grown around central Thames Street where vagrants camp out with sleeping bags, cardboard mats, duvets and blankets.
But many of those begging in the area are doing it under false pretences – and a number of the town’s homeless community do not in fact live on the streets.
In the evenings the spots lie empty and taxi drivers report being hailed by the homeless for rides to houses in the local area.
Windsor’s homeless community has grown around central Thames Street where men and women camp out with sleeping bags, cardboard mats, duvets and blankets. There is no suggestion he has been begging in the town
‘Many of them are not homeless – they use us many times, to Dedworth, to Slough [to get home],’ revealed Sadraz Malik, a taxi driver who uses the rank on Thames Street opposite several popular begging spots.
Muhummad, another driver, added: ‘There are only one or two that stay overnight. The majority of them, God knows where they go. After 10pm, they’re gone.’
A driver named Sapkota confirmed: ‘There’s one we know for sure is homeless. other people go at night time and then come back. We know they have homes.’
Windsor’s begging community appears to work using a shift pattern, according to The Telegraph.
Beggars swap in at around 6.30pm, taking over one another’s pitches to make sure all busy time periods were covered.
Many of those begging in the area are doing it under false pretences – and a number of the town’s homeless community do not in fact live on the streets. There is no suggestion he has been begging
Some homeless people in Windsor are in fact ‘professional beggars’ who work shifts to boost their earnings and take taxis home in the evening. There is no suggestion they have been begging
Cllr Simon Dudley (left, with Theresa May) has accused rough sleepers of ‘aggressive begging and intimidation’ and wants them moved on before Prince Harry ties the knot with Meghan Markle in May
This comes after Conservative councilor Simon Dudley said rough sleepers in the area were ‘aggressive and intimidating’ and said he wanted them to be relocated before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot in May.
He even accused the beggars of ‘marching tourists to nearby cashpoints’ before demanding money from them.
He added the ‘detritus and bags’ of homeless people could provide a security risk when the royal couple get married at Windsor Castle.
But members of the local community and those living on the streets have today hit back, while charities have branded his comments ‘abhorrent’ and ‘disappointing’.
Even Prime Minister Theresa May criticised his comments and saying she ‘does not agree’ with what he said.
A homeless person was seen sleeping in a bus stop in Windsor on Thursday – just days after Mr Dudley’s comments. There is no suggestion they have been begging
Simon Dudley owns an eight-bed worth £3million and is selling a five bed for £2.1million
Homeless people living in Windsor also slammed Cllr Dudley and one, James, 35, told the BBC: ‘He should come out and talk to the homeless and find out what their stories are before he makes those kind of accusations.
‘It is not our choice to be homeless. Everyone has their own reasons, everyone has their own story.’
But Thames Valley Police refuted his claims and said they ‘deal with begging’ but have not received reports of homeless people forcing people to withdraw cash.
Murphy James, manager of the Windsor Homeless Project, said Cllr Dudley’s comments were ‘sickening’ and said the accommodation offered to homeless people was ‘rat infested’.
He said: ‘It’s abhorrent that anybody has got these views in this day and age, especially a lead councillor of the borough.
‘I went out on Christmas Day and there were 12 people laid out on Windsor High Street. They were not there by choice.’
Situated near Windsor Castle, the Grade II listed building is on the market for £2.1million
‘It shows he hasn’t got a clue. He has quite obviously never walked even an inch in their shoes’, Mr James added to the Slough Observer.
‘It is absolutely disgusting he is putting out such an opinion that it is a commercial life choice.
And yesterday evening a petition to stop rough sleepers being taken off the streets had been signed by more than 33,300 people.
Banker Dudleylives in an eight-bed house in Berkshire worth £3million.
He and wife Sue, 54, enjoy a view that takes in the Thames and Mr Dudley is also selling a five-bedroom house for £2.1million.
Situated near Windsor Castle, the Grade II listed building boasts three bathrooms, according to the Daily Star.
Mr Dudley’s home in Berkshire also has a view of the Thames, two reception rooms and off-road parking for up to three vehicles
Situated near Windsor Castle, the Grade II listed building boasts three bathrooms
Estate agents Strutt & Parker posted pictures of the house and its surroundings online, showcasing its two reception rooms, off-road parking for up to three vehicles and both of its gardens.
Mr Dudley is paid to sit on the Homes and Communities Agency, which helps the government tackle homelessness. When he was appointed to the board it was understood he’d receive up to £20,000 a year for the role.
He was criticised as ‘snooty’ by neighbours of his iron gated home after suggesting homeless people should be removed ahead of Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle.
An anonymous source told the paper: ‘No one agrees with what he said – it’s a bit snooty isn’t it?
‘He has so many rooms he could probably house all of the rough sleepers in the town himself.’