​Protesters will fight order to have them evicted by Glasgow City Council

Homelessness protesters in Glasgow’s George Square vow to continue their demonstration despite being given a 48 hour eviction notice by a sheriff.

Some 20 people have been campaigning outside the City Chambers against homelessness in the city.

They have set up tents and have remained in place for over three weeks.

But Glasgow City Council raised an action at Glasgow Sheriff Court to evict the group, who have set up four tents and the sheriff yesterday ruled in its favour.

Campaigners now vow to defend themselves against the eviction order.

David Armstrong, who is representing the occupants, claims the group has a right to protest under Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Glasgow Council’s lawyer, Kenny McDonald, said that while individuals had the right to stage a protest they did not have the right to occupy a publicly owned space.

This is intimidation and defies democracy. People are allowed to protest

He said the occupiers had verbally abused council staff.

He said: “No defence has been presented that explains the occupation of that part of George Square.”

On the protesters' Facebook page, Gillian Tearney wrote: “This is intimidation and defies democracy. People are allowed to protest. Glasgow Council thinks it can censor people but this move gives us stronger resolve to keep the protest going.

“If not in George Square it will be elsewhere.”

If protesters refuse to leave, the council said there would be a "step-by-step" process to remove the camp with police assistance.

A council spokesman said: “We are pleased the court supported our position.

“We fully support the right to protest, but the court found that those camping in George Square had no right to occupy a publicly-owned space on a permanent or indefinite basis.

“George Square is owned and maintained by the council for the benefit of the whole community.”