A sign that urges people not to give money to 'beggars' over fears they will spend it on drugs is going to be removed by the council. The plaque, which is the second spotted in Manchester city centre since June, comes with a metal box with a small gap in it for money to be slotted inside.
The sign reads in full: "food or drugs?" followed by: "Would you give a beggar a pound for a fix? Give to the box not to the beggar."
Manchester City Council were previously made aware of the sign on Deansgate, underneath the arches at the Great Northern Square, back in June, and immediately removed the sign from the wall following a story by the Manchester Evening News.
READ MORE Armed police stop Audi and arrest suspect in Aldi supermarket car park after 'linked' shootings
However over the weekend, a further sign was pictured outside the Frog and Bucket comedy club on Oldham Street. The city council has vowed to remove it along with 'any others we come across' in the future.
The council was unable to confirm when the signs were first installed or where they came from, but said in a tweet that they 'do not endorse' the message printed on them and would look to get them removed. It is not known if there are any others around the city.
Have you seen one of these signs? Get in touch with us at newsdesk@men-news.co.uk
The photo of the sign on Deansgate was first shared by Harry Jones on Twitter back in June, who tagged the council and wrote: "This is f****** disgusting?" The post was met with fury, with one person responding: "This is f****** gross and so suss that there's no indication what charity or whatever the money in the box goes to." As another added: "This is a disgrace."
A Manchester City Council spokesperson said: "When the box on Deansgate was brought to our attention we removed it immediately and we will be doing the same with any others that we come across including this one found outside the Frog and Bucket."
The council's website gives advice to the public on ways they can help with homelessness in the city. This included encouraging the homeless person to make contact with the council, who may help them find suitable accommodation.
The council also works with partner organisations, including Shelter, Centrepoint, Street Support and Manchester Move and encourages the public to volunteer their time or donate money to various charities that help tackle homelessness in the city.
For more of today's top stories click here.
READ NEXT:
