Posted 09.06.14
Metal spikes many believe have been installed to deter homeless people from sleeping in an alcove outside a block of flats in London have sparked outrage on Twitter, after pictures of the building went viral. - The Independent 9th June 2014.
The above news report attracted wide criticism - the response from Homeless Link, the umbrella body of homeless charities, was not untypical. Jacqui McCluskey, Director of Policy and Communications, for Homeless Link said:
"It's shocking to see the use of metal spikes to discourage rough sleeping and hardly helps deal with the rising number of people who are forced to sleep on our streets.
"Many people who sleep rough just don't know where to turn and are amongst the most vulnerable in our society. Sleeping on the streets is dangerous, bad for your health and individuals need support.
"This approach is not only inhumane, it does nothing to tackle the causes of rough sleeping and just moves the issue on for someone else to deal with.
"Luckily, most people are concerned if they see someone sleeping rough. The most practical thing you can do is help connect individuals to local support by calling StreetLink on 0300 500 0914."
