Manchester Council Takes Legal Action to Shut Down Controversial Homeless Camp Outside Town Hall

“We have faced challenges keeping the area safe, clean, and secure,” said a Manchester council spokesperson.

Manchester council is seeking a court order to dismantle the homeless camp, known as the ‘red tent’ camp, outside the town hall. The camp began as a protest last March but has remained in place for months.

Council officers previously offered temporary housing to over 50 people from the camp to prevent its growth. Following this, the area under the town hall arches was sealed off, and the camp was removed. However, new tents were set up nearby, becoming a regular sight in St Peter’s Square, despite being temporarily cleared for events like Remembrance Sunday and New Year’s Eve.

The council now plans to take legal action to remove the camp permanently, with a hearing scheduled for February 11. According to the council, many in the camp are refugees with the right to remain in the UK.

The council emphasized that support is available for homeless residents through its homelessness services and local charities. However, they stated that St Peter’s Square is not a safe or sanitary place for people to stay. The ongoing presence of the camp has caused issues for public safety and the operation of nearby town hall services.

Despite efforts to reduce the camp’s size, such as offering support and asking people to leave, tents keep reappearing. The council believes legal action is now the only option.

The GM Law Centre, representing the camp’s residents, has been contacted for comment.