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Scottish Charity Register No. SC043760

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Web only: Rumours of Poncho's death have been greatly exaggerated

December 13 2009
The Pavement had received reports that Operation Poncho - a policy in the City of London whereby rough sleepers have seen the areas they bed-down in soaked with water in the middle of the night - was to cease. But the City of London has said this is not the case - Operation Poncho remains part of the policy to get people off the streets. A City of London spokesman said: "The City of London Corporation, working in partnership with Broadway and the City of London Police continue to engage with rough sleepers in the City of London to reduce the risk of people dying on the streets and get them into accommodation." The scheme has courted controversy - Pavement readers have complained of feeling harassed and disorientated when woken at 3am by a water bowser, and given coffee and cigarettes while they are questioned by authorities. Poncho is not permanently active, but has run for a period of weeks twice in 2009. The Pavement is now working with Housing Justice and human rights charity Liberty to produce and distribute a leaflet for rough sleepers, so they understand their rights when approached by police or outreach workers.
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