Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Poll: Is the use of anti-homeless spikes justified?

 

Max Benwell
Monday 09 June 2014 17:18 BST
Comments

There was an outcry across social media this weekend after photos of sharp anti-homeless studs outside a block of London flats went viral.

Many were shocked, although others have pointed out that similar measures to prevent rough sleeping have been in place for years, such as sloping seats at bus stops and narrow park benches.

Some say that such methods keep homeless people off the streets, and encourage them to seek help from outreach programs and shelters.

It's also likely that finding someone sleeping on your doorstep would give you a fright, regardless of whether the person was homeless or not.

Although it's still an unpleasant thing to see, and for many symbolises the inhumane way we treat our society's most vulnerable individuals.

So is the use of such sharp studs justified? Let us know by taking our poll below:

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in