A JUDGE reluctantly ordered the eviction of a protest camp against homelessness in central Manchester yesterday, calling the campaign “a just cause.”

In a hearing at Manchester Civil Centre, the judge granted the city council a possession order to clear the square outside the town hall. 

It spells the end for the camp which was established six days ago following a march and demonstration at the town hall by 200 people.

But one protester who attended yesterday’s court hearing revealed the judge expressed sympathy with them in extraordinary closing remarks. 

Adam Whelan told the Star: “The judge granted the possession order but said he did so reluctantly. He said we were campaigning for a just cause, but that the council had the right to possession.“He said if it had been up to him, he would not have granted the order.”

Protesters claim that Manchester Council has not done enough to solve the city’s homelessness problem.

The demonstrators were confronted by security guards and police were called when a group attempted to enter the town hall last week. Around 30 people — most of them homeless — established the protest camp on Wednesday night, setting up tents in Albert Square.

The campers do not know when the possession order will be executed by bailiffs. “It could take some time or they could get it today,” said Mr Whelan. “We just do not know.

“We are going to continue the occupation until they have a warrant to remove us.”

“The protesters have not yet decided how they will react when the time comes,” said Mr Whelan.