MANCHESTER COUNCIL accused of trying to “ban homeless people” from the city centre yesterday after it applied for a injunction specially targeting peaceful campaigners currently occupying local gardens.

The “draconian” policy will be heard in court next week, threatening the homeless camp which has been running in the city since April.

The council has already been granted eviction orders for the camp’s previous sites including Albert Square, St Peter’s Square and St Anne’s Square.

WTB Solicitors founding partner Ben Taylor, representing the camp, said: “I am disappointed to learn that possession and injunction proceedings have been issued once again, despite the remarks of HHJ Gore QC concerning mediation.

“To injunct a homeless person from sleeping rough within the borders of Manchester city is draconian not least because they have nowhere else to sleep.”