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KCL wants to block off area outside university building to stop ‘vagrants’ sleeping around it

Staff are ‘constantly’ removing syringes and needles which are a ‘hazard’


King’s College London wants to build a new extension around the Greenwood Theatre to stop “vagrants” from “using drugs” and “sleeping” on university property.

Planning documents submitted on behalf of KCL revealed that university staff are “constantly” removing needles which are a “hazard.”

The Greenwood Theatre on Guy’s Campus is just a few yards away from the Manna Centre, a local centre for homeless people.

The conclusion is that the “only effective way” of solving the issue is to enclose the external lobby behind walls.

Planning consultancy JacksonBCS wrote on behalf of the university in a document: “The external lobby is used by vagrants and those using drugs as a shelter and for sleeping.

“KCL’s staff are constantly having to clean the lobby and remove hypodermic syringes, needles, and other drug related items, which is obviously a hazard to the staff.”

The homeless centre is currently facing a £75,000 deficit as a result of rising demands for its services to the community.

The Greenwood Theatre is owned by the Charitable Foundation of Guy’s Hospital and leased to King’s College London which uses it for lectures.

The Tab King’s has contacted King’s College London for comment.

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