Homeless camp dismantled in early morning raid. Dozens evicted from St Peter’s Square near town hall.
Manchester Council evicted people from a camp. This camp was in St Peter’s Square, near the town hall. It was called the ‘red tent camp’ and had been there since last spring.
The eviction happened early Wednesday morning, around 6:45 AM on February 26th. Council workers told people to leave after a judge gave them permission. Officials handed out bags for belongings, and bailiffs told people they needed to leave the tents.
The camp started as a protest but became a spot for homeless people. The Law Centre tried to stop the eviction by launching a legal challenge earlier this month. It failed, so the council had the power to evict.
The Law Centre represented an asylum seeker, but his case was withdrawn by the council. About forty refugees were in court without lawyers. One said they were not happy in a tent.
The judge said refugees were trespassing and ordered them to remove their tents. He said the square is for everyone and felt they were within the housing system.
A council spokesperson welcomed the court decision and said they want to end the camp in St Peter’s Square. They added that many refugees camp in the square. The council says help is available for homeless people and that they help refugees find housing. Camping isn’t a safe way to get support, according to them.
Keeping the square safe became difficult, especially near Remembrance Day and New Year’s Eve. They tried different approaches, but tents kept returning. They said securing the order became necessary. The council again said support exists.