The comedian and activist Mark Thomas has joined the campaign against what's being seen as an unfair crackdown on rough sleepers in Exeter. After performing at the city's Corn Exchange last night he urged the audience to join him in a demonstration outside the Civic Centre.
During his political comedy show Trespass, Mark Thomas spoke out against the city council's plans for a Public Space Protection Order – which gives the police greater powers to move on homeless people.
Afterwards he led a protest of around 200 people to the city council's headquarters - including passers-by and homeless people who joined in when they saw what was happening.
The demonstration was peaceful and police say no arrests were made.
A consultation is continuing on the new Order - which the city council says is NOT designed to criminalise the homeless but to prevent anti-social behaviour.
Misconduct inquiry into suspended chief constable suspended
Good time for dolphins in Torbay
Devoncast - traffic, trees and Toby Buckland
Shoplifting and violent crime up in Devon and Cornwall
Riviera Airshow fit to fly
How Torbay Hospital bosses are tackling 'risks'
