Professor Green removes anti-homeless bars on benches in Bournemouth

'We are taking something really negative and making it more positive,' says rapper

British rapper Professor Green has helped removed the metal bars that were installed on a public bench in an apparent attempt to stop homeless people from sleeping on them.

After travelling to Bournemouth, he filmed his friend, the desginer Max McMurdo, unscrew the bolts and remove the metal bar.

They then replaced it with a larger one, which he pulled a tarpaulin over, transforming the bench into a “homeless shelter”.

He posted video of them to his Instagram site, where he called the benches "anti-homeless" and said they were an attempt to make the growing number of rough sleepers “invisible”.

While filming, Professor Green told passers-by: “We are taking something really negative and making something more positive”.

He added: “There cost three-and-a-half grand to fit to each bench, apparently, to stop the homeless sleeping there. There’s something better you can do, rather than just take them off. We’re showing what three and a half grand versus £18 can do.”

​Dorset Police told The Independent officers were called to the scene but no offences were identified and no further action was taken.

Bournemouth Council meanwhile said it was “disappointed” that Professor Green declined to meet its Housing Services Team during his visit to the city.

But the rapper later posted an Instagram video of himself saying: “Under what obligation am I to meet with Bournemouth Council?

"There was no meeting set up. They’re disappointed that I declined a request to meet them so they could show me what their multi-agency tasks achieve.

“You put those bars there, I am entitled to observe and comment on something you have done [...] I disagree with it. I am entitled to say that without having any conversation with you. This is not the BBC. You don’t have right of reply.”

The council said in a statement: “We would have welcomed the opportunity to speak to him about the multi-agency work that goes on to prevent homelessness, and the support we provide to rough sleepers.

“We would like to clarify the work carried out on the benches was undertaken last year in response to multiple complaints made by residents, visitors and businesses concerned over the use of the benches."

They said the total cost to carry out the work was £3,650, which they said included the purchase and installation costs.

A spokesperson added: “We have a significant range of homelessness services in place but unfortunately homelessness and rough sleeping is rising nationally. We are committed to doing all we can to prevent wherever possible and coordinate work with many other agencies in order to do so."