Emmaus South Lambeth campaigns against proposed Westminster byelaw banning rough sleeping
Staff, volunteers and Companions from Emmaus South Lambeth joined London-based collective The Sock Mob, which gives socks, cheers and companionship to London's street homeless, for a Party Against Criminalising Compassion on Sunday 20th March 2011.
It was to show their opposition to Westminster Council's proposed byelaw banning rough sleeping and giving to the homeless in the Westminster area. The event was also supported by Housing Justice, The Simon Community, Coombe Trust, Street Souls, The Pavement, Open Cinema and Streetlytes.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, a council spokesman said: "Soup runs attract up to 100 people at a time, making it a no-go area for residents, with issues around litter, urination, violence and disorder".
James Hayes, General Manager of Emmaus South Lambeth said: “Westminster Council are not addressing the problem. They will simply be moving it on to Lambeth and Southwark. The reason homeless people go to Westminster is because of companionship, being able to feel a part of a community. I work on the soup runs and they form a part of a regular timetable. There’s around 80 people who I see regularly and I know where they are going to be and they know me. It’s a personal relationship based on trust and that might vanish. If they go down to Westminster they can be spoken to as a human being and we can listen to their individual needs.”
The byelaw consultation period ended on Friday 25th March.
In a Press Association report, following the consultation, Westminster Council have said they will now be taking an "enlightened approach" and would allow soups runs for the city's rough sleepers to continue, albeit in an altered form.
Published on 28th March, 2011
KEEP ME POSTED! Sign up for emailed content alerts: