Council leader's pledge as six torn down

SIX rough sleeper encampments have been removed in Stoke-on-Trent over the past fortnight, the council leader has revealed.

- Phil Corrigan

Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, says the authority will continue to take similar action, working with Staffordshire Police.

Cllr Ashworth, pictured right, told a full council meeting that while the approach might appear 'harsh', the encampments were bad for both the homeless individuals and nearby residents. And she insisted that the authority would support homeless people to get off the street and into accommodation.