Readers have shared their thoughts and reactions to the forced removal of tents on Brighton seafront.
On Wednesday morning Specialist Group International, a provider of specialist rescue, underwater search and protester management, sent enforcement officers to Madeira Drive, Brighton to clear away tents which have been there "for months".
The Argus’ readers have shared their thoughts on how the events unfolded - with a mix of criticism of the council and compassion with rough sleepers.
Michael Older said the the scenes at Madeira Terrace made his eyes "shed tears".
He said: "Those items being removed are most likely all they own in their lives."
Another reader Tracey Sutton also said: "Most of them are homeless because they cannot pay their rent or the landlord wants them out, it's not their fault they are there."
"Just made the homeless, homeless again where they will now disperse into the city and rightfully will probably no longer engage with authority," another man said.
Read more
- In Pictures: Enforcement officers remove tents from seafront
- Special rescue team remove tents on Brighton seafront
- Images show dismantled Madeira Terrace as restoration works continue
- Madeira Terrace receives huge injection of funds towards renovation
However, others have shared that Madeira Terrace was unsafe to be on and that the council has done the right thing.
Veronica Michael said: "I walked by there yesterday. The tents were resting on rotten beams and looked like it would collapse from underneath. It was an accident waiting to happen if it was allowed to stay where it was.
"I don’t very often agree with Brighton council but in this instance if not moved the poor persons life would have been in serious danger."
Another reader added: "It not safe there and they are doing work on that site.
"Lots of people are angry they are moving it but they kind of have to."
Share