Reports of rough sleeper in Listed Market Drayton Second World War pillbox
Police have received reports of rough sleepers staying in an old military installation in Market Drayton, believed to be the last of its kind.
A concrete Second World War-era pillbox, which is Grade II Listed partly for its rarity, lies between Newcastle Road and a footpath on the Shropshire Union Canal.
Officers from the Market Drayton Safer Neighbourhood team visited and investigated after reports of people visiting or even sleeping in the pillbox.
The manager of Market Drayton Museum, Ian Picton-Robinson, said the pillbox was intended to be among the last lines of defence against Axis forces in the event of a land invasion.
He said he believed it was the last of its kind in the country, while the Listed building register said there were "no other known examples" of its type.
Significance
British Listed Buildings, an online database, describes the pillbox and its significance.
It says: "The pillbox is a rare example of a Type 24 pillbox constructed to a two-storey height, incorporating a concrete plinth. There are no other known examples.
"The pillbox with plinth is mainly unaltered and complete, and its original use is plainly legible. The pillbox illustrates a key point on a former stop line, providing a screened position capable of defending both road and canal, and forming a group with the canal bridge."
Five of the pillbox's irregular six walls have single window-like openings while the sixth includes a doorway and two openings either side.
If anyone has concerns about an adult sleeping rough in England or Wales, they can contact StreetLink to try and connect them with support services. Learn more at streetlink.org.uk/
The Shrewsbury Ark can also offer support for homeless people. Learn more at shrewsburyark.co.uk/
If someone sleeping rough is in danger or under the age of 18, call 999 or 101.