Humanitarian aid camp for the homeless in Leeds is blocked by the council

Volunteer David Hedley ran last year's successful ten-day 'Tent City' at the former International Pool site in Leeds as a place for rough sleepers to get a hot meal, medical care and help finding housing.

But plans to run another camp at the same site have been set back after David was sent a notice that Leeds City Council was seeking an injunction against it.

Dave, 53, said he is devastated by the setback after organising food, tents, support services and even portaloos for the homeless camp, as well as booking two weeks off work.

"I've sorted the beds, toilets, everything," he said.

"I even sorted out a skip for the rubbish.

"I feel let down by the council. We had a massive impact last year and managed to get 22 people into housing or temporary accommodation.

"I don't understand why the council are wanting to work against us."

Dave, who lives in Meanwood, has been giving his time to help the homeless for more than four years after he struck up a conversation with a man sleeping rough in Headingley.

The man had been left homeless after splitting with a partner and was "on a downward spiral", Dave said.

Since then, he has been involved with a number of projects aimed at getting rough sleepers off the streets.

He added: "I feel for the homeless people we would have been helping.

"It was really successful last year."

The letter said: "The purpose of this application is to prevent you from setting up or promoting a 'Tent City' encampment within the Leeds City Council metropolitan area.

"You are warned that if you attempt to do so before the hearing Leeds City Council may take further action against yourself and you may be in contempt of court if you do so."

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said: "We remain committed to working with a broad range of people and organisations across the city to support those in need. This includes through our designated Street Support Team initiative, Housing First policy and Leeds Homeless Charter.

“Support is available to everyone that chooses to accept it, which includes the offer of accommodation on a night and in the long-term, which for a variety of reasons, are not always accepted by everyone.

“Our Street Support Team have been engaging and advising those who have expressed an interest in organising an unauthorised encampment of the adverse consequences whilst also providing guidance on more responsible ways vulnerable people in the city can be supported.”

“Anyone working independently and outside of the charter potentially runs the risk of undermining progress we are making and, in some cases, puts people’s ongoing rehabilitation at risk. This is why we are taking this action.

“We cannot afford to be diverting valuable resources away from where they are needed. This is not a situation we want.”