2015 – a look back at the year that was
The Hackney Citizen revisits the biggest stories in what proved to be a rollercoaster year
PSPO
Leader – The wild, disorderly year that was
Rough sleepers faced fines, foxes dodged a council cull and trendies were branded too hip for Shoreditch
Police handing out rough sleeping ban leaflets to homeless, claim campaigners
Officers allegedly handed men leaflets in Hackney Central informing them they were in PSPO-controlled area
Sophie Linden announces withdrawal of Council’s controversial PSPO
Deputy Mayor says the Council has recognised the public’s ‘strength of feeling’ on the issue
Leader – Linden’s law: the blanket ban that left Hackney residents cold
The Council’s quiet introduction of a Public Space Protection Order reveals a worrying attitude towards rough sleepers
Hackney Council bows to pressure and removes rough sleepers from PSPO
Rough sleeping removed after 80,000 sign petition against the PSPO but campaigners say amendment “not good enough”
Public anger mounts over Hackney Council’s controversial PSPO
Petition launches and direct action planned as local residents and organisations call on Council to amend order
Hackney’s ban on rough sleeping will ‘criminalise homeless’, warns charity
New Public Space Protection Order will ban ‘anti-social activities’ such as street drinking, begging and rough sleeping in Hackney ‘hot spots’