A march through Brighton city centre calling on the government to eradicate homelessness is set to cause disruption today, police have warned.
The Brighton March for the Homeless is set to begin at 11.30am at the Old Steine, where an expected 200 demonstrators are being asked to gather before marching through the city at 12.30pm.
They are set to travel along North Street towards the Clock Tower, then along Western Road to Montpelier Road and down to the seafront.
Speeches will then take place at the Peace Statue, then marchers will process towards the Palace Pier.
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Brighton police said: “March organisers are engaging with Police Protest Liaison Officers and a good exchange of information is underway.
“We expect this march to be finished at around 3:30 pm.
“Police staff will be active on the Shop Watch radio during the event and live updates will be posted via our Facebook page.”
The march organisers said they wanted to call upon the government to end homelessness by 2020, raise awareness and improve the perception of rough sleepers, and call upon homeless organisations to work together.
They said: “Often the words march and protest carry a negative connotation. However, we are keen to ensure that this is a positive and fun filled day that raises awareness, brings people together and changes attitudes for the better.
“Our plans for the day will include meeting at the Old Steine Gardens, a march around part of the city, a stop point at the Peace Statue for refreshments and presentations, followed by a personal memorial and a two minute silence at the Pier for Dr Geebers,who was one of the rough sleepers who sadly lost his battle with depression recently. We will then gather at the Old Steine Gardens again for further presentations, a Q&A and conclusion.
“We intend to keep to the event forward looking, fun, peaceful and family friendly. This is an opportunity to create some positive awareness, reduce the boundaries between local organisations, and ask the government to consider their future plans to solve these problems.”
