Homeless spikes installed in the city centre designed to stop people sleeping rough have been removed after an outcry from M.E.N. readers.

The pointed barriers were installed in an area outside an office block in Pall Mall Court which is often used by rough sleepers.

The building’s owners refused to comment on the spikes - but they were condemned as ‘draconian’ and ‘inhumane’ after the M.E.N. highlighted the move on Friday.

Now, it seems the owners of the building have had a change of heart.

This afternoon, they were no long visible in the covered area which is just off King Street.

GVA, the company which manages Pall Mall Court, has been approached for comment.

Since the M.E.N. highlighted the spikes last week council leaders and campaigners have hit out at the move - and one Prestwich family staged an unusual protest.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Mum Jenny Platt and her friends and family visited the site on Sunday to cover the area with cushions and pillows.

They also purchased sandwiches and other food and invited homeless people to return to the area.

And today, Manchester council’s city centre spokesman Pat Kearney said he had spoken with company bosses about the spikes.

WATCH: Family turn tables on 'homeless spikes'

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

He said: “I had a common sense conversation with them on Sunday night.

“We all know there are a lot of difficulties in the city centre but he only way we can resolve them is for businesses and the council to work with homeless people and homeless charities.

“I am pleased that the spikes have been removed.

“This is not the image of Manchester we want to project.

(Image: Vince Cole)

“These are very difficult issues but we all need to put our heads together.”

Pall Mall Medical, which is based next to where the spikes were, said the company only rents part of the building.

Figures this month, show there has been a massive rise in rough sleeping across Greater Manchester.

The latest figures - based on studies carried out by council housing officer in a single night in November - found 189 people were sleeing rought across the region - up 40pc from the previous year.