Mayor Dave visits Rogers Court with SMART CJS Bedford

Hard hats and high visibility vests were deployed for a special visit to Rogers Court in Bedford; a planned 20-unit facility providing housing for those at risk of rough sleeping or those finding themselves homeless. This will be opened to residents next month and be an important part of the Borough's strategy to aim to make rough sleeping a thing of the past.

SMART CJS Bedford will be providing the service and support to residents 24/7 with Bedford Borough Council the landlord of the project and managing the building works with central government grant-funding.

The Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson, SMART CJS CEO, Anita McCallum and Bedford Borough Council's, Lee Phanco, visited the site, courtesy of Kier, to inspect progress.

Mayor Dave Hodgson commented "It is absolutely incredible to see how well this building project has developed since it started at the beginning of April. With an August handover date, that's less than 6 months to have completed all works required. Well done to all involved!"

The visitors were grateful to Kier for opening up the site and Mrs McCallum, CEO, SMART CJS Bedford, said "We are very much looking forward to delivering the rough sleeper support service in Rogers Court. It's a huge step forward for some of the most vulnerable in our society to have their own flats with cooking facilities, bedrooms and bathrooms. The hope and the security that this kind of housing provides means a quicker recovery and integration into more positive and independent living. We expect most to stay with us 3-6 months, but people can stay for up to 2 years if needed."