City of Vincent council backs Manna Inc to continue feeding homeless at Weld Square

DESPITE resistance from residents and business owners, Manna Inc will continue feeding the homeless for free at Weld Square for another 12 months.

City of Vincent councillors passed the motion at last night’s council meeting after receiving a petition signed by more than 90 people who wanted the food trucks gone.

One resident spoke ahead of the meeting on behalf of signatories in a last ditch effort to sway councillors.

She said the food trucks that were there on a daily basis attracted people who displayed anti-social behaviour, cursed and were drunk.

“These people really are in need and they require the service but they cause trouble,” she said.

“We would like to see the trucks removed; these people need to be seated indoors having their meals, not at a park.”

She said that because those who signed the petition were ratepayers, the council should act on behalf of their interests.

Councillor Dan Loden said he volunteered for a day to see firsthand what happened at Weld Square.

“We served about 150 people and my observation was that the group of people dispersed quickly after they were served,” he said.

Mayor John Carey said homeless people and anti-social behaviour was a reality of inner city living.

“We cannot shunt the service to another area,” he said.

Mr Carey said attempts made in the past to find an alternate location were not successful.

The food trucks are permitted between 1.30pm and 2.30pm six days a week.