Outrage as couple ‘evicted’ from tent

HUNDREDS of people have reacted angrily to Torbay Council apparently serving an official notice to remove a homeless couple’s tent from public land.

The charity Humanity Torbay posted a picture of the notice on its Facebook page which has since been shared around the country, with Torbay Council in the firing line.

It says it is the second time the homeless couple have been served with the same notice. They say the couple have been living in the tent for weeks while they try to get rehoused and they may not have a home for another three weeks.

In the meantime the Torbay Council notice has apparently been pinned to their tent.

It reads: “This tent/camp has been noted as being pitched illegally in contravention of local bylaws.

“This area is owned by Torbay Council and is regularly patrolled by park rangers and /or police.

“Please REMOVE this tent, its contents and any litter or it is liable to be removed and possibly confiscated then DIS- POSED OF by Torbay Council.”

The official letter from Torbay Council is not an eviction notice but a bylaw which allows council parks departments to remove unofficial campsites.

In a statement Torbay Council said: “There’s been some concerns expressed on social media regarding correspondence with individuals in a tent. Please be assured that we are aware of the individuals concerned and we have been working closely with them.

“We are helping them to secure accommodation and making sure they are safe.

“We can’t say any more than this as we are unable to comment in detail on individual cases.

“If you are concerned about anyone sleeping rough then please contact 01803 217890 and the team will ensure that people are then linked in with available services to the help and support they need.”

Humanity Torbay said the couple who live in the tent have been coming for help twice every day and have still not been rehoused.