Green councillors branded 'frankly bonkers' after bench armrests removed for sleeping homeless people
Green councillors have been branded "frankly bonkers" after they removed bench armrests so homeless people can sleep better.
The party has accused the seats of "anti-homeless" architecture and has vowed to make it easier for those living on the streets.
The initiative was launched after the Greens took control of Norwich City Council in May this year.
They announced the policy through a social media video featuring the cabinet member for healthier neighbours, Jenny Knight.
She said: "So what's different about this bench?"
"I made a request that we remove the anti-homeless architecture along Mousehold and this is the result, a bench everybody can sit on."
Councillor Knight later told the EDP: "Norwich City Council's public spaces will be welcoming and accessible for everyone on our watch.
"Bars were removed from a small number of older benches at Mousehold Heath and we're looking into repurposing them.
She added: "Newer benches don't have them, so this just brings the older benches into line with the current preferred standard.
"Benches clearly are not homes. Our priority in preventing homelessness is helping people into safe, secure accommodation."
Carli Harper, the Labour leader at City Hall, described the move as "frankly bonkers".
She argued that the council should focus more on providing proper accommodation for the homeless.
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Ms Harper said: "People deserve proper homes, thoughtful and effective interventions that get to the root of why they find themselves on the streets, not slightly less awful rough sleeping.
"I can only imagine the next step is addresses for benches so rough sleepers can order Deliveroo.
"This out-of-touch nonsense is exactly why the Greens are not fit to lead this fine city.
"Let's get on with building the homes we need."
Local residents have also expressed their anger towards the move, suggesting it will create more homeless hotspots in the city.
They also highlight that the move could negatively impact disabled people or the elderly in the area.
Homelessness applications in Norwich have increased significantly in recent years, with fears that the increasing numbers are contributing to a spike in antisocial behaviour.
However, the overall homelessness rate in Norwich stands at roughly one in every 1,674 people, ranking it lower than many of the UK's larger cities.
GB News has reached out to Norwich for comment.
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