Camden Council admits role in removal of homeless tents

Camden Council has admitted that it was involved in the "unacceptable" destruction of homeless people's tents in central London.

Refuse workers threw the tents into the back of their lorry on Huntley Street, Camden, at about 15:00 GMT on Friday.

On Saturday the council's acting leader ordered an "urgent investigation into what happened".

Deputy leader Adam Harrison said initial investigations found "there was operational involvement from Camden".

The tents were cleared from the area after the Met Police issued a S35 dispersal order, which requires people to vacate an area for a maximum of 48 hours.

The force said it "worked with University College London Hospital and other partners in response to concerns".

Mr Harrison said: "It's important to acknowledge what happened on Friday was unacceptable... it is clear that something has gone wrong here.

"Whilst this dispersal order was applied for by University College Hospital London and enforced by the police, we acknowledge that waste collection services were arranged through the council and our rough sleeping support services were engaged to support people affected."

A spokesperson for refuse company Veolia said it acted "on behalf of and under the strict supervision of Camden Council, and the police when needed".

"We follow all the procedures and requirements needed when it comes to removing sensitive items," they added. "We are working internally and with Camden Council to review how requests of this nature will be handled in the future."

Elodie Berland, who volunteers with outreach organisation Streets Kitchen, recorded the scene after she was called there by some of the homeless men.

One man was arrested for an alleged breach of the S35 dispersal order and taken into police custody, the Met said.

A spokesperson for the force said: "The hospital's security team had requested the assistance of police.

"This action was necessary due to the hospital's concerns for patient welfare. The tents were on private land close to the hospital entrance and had been at the location for up to nine months.

"Police had also received reports of drug use and drug-dealing, urination and defecation and of patients and staff being intimated or verbally abused by some of those begging and sleeping rough at the location."

The force said that on 6 and 7 November "partner organisations" told those at the site about "the hospital's wish to clear the site" on 10 November.

The spokesperson said: "A Section 35 Dispersal Order was authorised on 10 November, and, two hours prior to the site clearance taking place, all individuals who were present on the site were given time to leave.

"All but one of those present left the site; some taking tents with them and some leaving them behind.

"Veolia staff removed the tents left behind.

"The personal belongings and the tent of the male who was arrested were not disposed of, since he was present at the location and thus his items hadn't been abandoned.

"Appropriate support was provided by partner organisations to those affected."

A University College London Hospital (UCLH) spokesperson previously said the action was taken due to "public health concerns" outside "a hospital treating immunocompromised patients".

They added: "UCLH is deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of homeless people and we provide a number of services for this vulnerable group."

Streets Kitchen founder Jon Glackin said he rejected the "accusation that [the homeless men] were dirty".

He said he wanted to see a "constructive community response" following the removal of the tents and added that the organisation was co-hosting a public meeting on Thursday at St Michael's Church on Camden Road with local organisations.

Mr Harrison said that Friday's incident did not reflect the council's values, adding: "We will make sure this is clear and understood at every level of the organisation.

"We are determined to make improvements to how rough sleepers are supported in the borough."

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