05-05-2016, 12:21 PM
Just to note that there was never an issue of homeless people sleeping overnight on benches in open places like Speakers Corner, as far as I know. The hidden away (or at least sheltered) spots where these people did tend to "camp" were being used before the benches were changed, as they continue to be used. The bar was added to address daytime issues, as I understand it, and they seem to have met the objective of obliging people to sit (and share), rather than lie down.