Court allows eviction of Manchester homeless camp. Critics argue this hides, not solves, the underlying issues of homelessness.
The court allowed the city to evict the camp. The camp was near the town hall. The court heard refugees kept moving in. The council said they were helping people. Judge Bird said the refugees were trespassing.
The square should be open to everyone. He trusted the housing system would help them. The law center will keep fighting in court. The case was about the camp’s right to be there.
The council was not fulfilling homeless duties, they stated. The council dropped the case against one person. The law center helped 18 homeless people. Fifteen got housing offers from the council.
The council made progress helping those in need. This convinced the judge to allow eviction. Now, the council can ask bailiffs for help. Community groups are also helping these folks.
A tenants union leader spoke. She said the ruling does not fix homelessness. The council hides the problem, she added. Manchester needs more social housing. City leaders said they welcome the court’s decision.
The council wants the camp to end. The camp had been ongoing for months. It involved refugees. The city says help exists for those facing homelessness. They work with charities to offer support. They helped many refugees find housing.
The council stated the square is unsafe for camping. Camping does not assist housing applications. Keeping the area safe has become an issue. The council tried different approaches. Some temporarily lowered tent numbers.
They repeatedly asked people to leave. The order was a final step. The city says support is available.