News / Society
Homelessness bollards: the man behind the mat
When a shopping centre positioned bollards to prevent rough sleepers taking shelter in an alcove, the reaction from the people of Bristol was so strong that the bollards were swiftly removed.
Pete Wentland, however, went one step further than righteous indignation.
Bristol24/7 can exclusively reveal that it was the nursing assistant who laid a welcome mat and flowers on the site on Union Street.
is needed now More than ever
“It just seemed like an obvious response to try and meet that selfishness with humanity and compassion,” Pete said.
Before and after. Bollards to stop the homeless from sleeping in this doorway on Union St have been removed pic.twitter.com/W3tsOrTHyA
— Tom Richell (@tomrichell) February 23, 2016
The space next to clothes shop 71 Queens is known as a favourite spot for the homeless on wet nights, providing them shelter and a place to sleep.
The timing of the bollards could not have been worse, having being erected in the middle of Bristol Homelessness Awareness Week.
Pete saw them being removed on Wednesday and swiftly responded by placing the welcome mat. He told Bristol24/7: “I was outraged, really.”
Pete added: “I’m well aware we’re having some massive problems with homelessness in Bristol and in the country, but mean-spirited, selfish responses like this are pushing people away and stigmatising them.
“It just seemed like an obvious response, to try and meet that selfishness with humanity and compassion, which sums up Bristol far more than their actions.
“The reason they removed the bollards was because so many people were writing to them, and for that I am immensely proud of the city. We should take that as a sign of people power, that we have made a difference.”
Charming reception today while filming the dismantling of the anti-homeless bollards on Union St ???? pic.twitter.com/nVRyG22hQF
— Tom Richell (@tomrichell) February 23, 2016
Galleries centre manager Colin Lang said earlier this week that the bollards were installed due to “ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour” in the alcove.
“Following feedback from our retailers and shoppers, and after consulting with the council and the police, it was decided that we should install bollards in an effort to prevent this behaviour.”
The bollards were removed following a backlash just 24 hours after the Bristol Post first published photos on its website.
Top right picture from IF Group Bristol.