Homeless protesters, raising awareness of how many people sleep rough in Manchester city centre, are to be evicted from St Ann’s Square and Castlefield camps on Friday.
Manchester City Council won a wide ban on the camp on July 31 after it was set up in April by campaigners unhappy about the unfairness of the council’s homelessness policy and lack of support for them.
Representatives of Manchester-based human rights organisation RAPAR as well as members of the public and supporters attended a rally for the camp in May.
The protesters’ representative, Ben Taylor of WTB Solicitors, said: “The County Court has informed the homeless camp that the County Court Bailiffs will attend the campsites at St Ann’s Square at 7am on Friday.
“Because an appeal of the possession order has not been launched, the eviction will go ahead as planned and the campsite will have to leave by that time.”
A further injunction order was granted to the council which prevents future protests about their homeless policy.
The council has specified that while homeless people are disallowed from using tents to sleep in they may occupy sleeping bags, blankets, cardboard boxes, benches, doorways, bus shelters, hostels and charity accommodation.
Main image courtesy of Grey World, with thanks.
