The UK’s first vending machine for homeless people has been removed after a local council claimed it was encouraging people to stay on the street.
It had provided 24-hour access to food, clothing and hygiene products for rough sleepers as part of a trial in a Nottingham shopping centre.
Stephen Hawking, who became a patron of the charity behind the initiative earlier this year, is believed to have described the now-abandoned concept as “inspirational”.
But in a move that has angered charity workers, the Action Hunger vending machine has been scrapped after the trial which began in December came to an end.
Nottingham City Council described the idea as a “misguided and ill-informed attempt to address complex problems” surrounding homelessness.
Toby Neal, from the city’s local authority, told the BBC: "This is a well-meaning but misguided and ill-informed attempt to address complex problems faced by people with accommodation and health issues.
"There is no evidence that it helps, and may distract people from finding long-term solutions."
Other critics of the scheme branded it a “vanity project”.
Jason Marriot, a Nottingham charity worker, wrote on Twitter: “A vanity project that gets a lot of media and likes on social media but is essentially pointless. Let's get people housed, not keep them on the street.”
The charity said the decision not to support the project further was a "shame" for Nottingham but that plans to launch more of the vending machines are in the pipeline, including in London, Birmingham and Manchester.
The fob-activated machine dispenses free water, fresh fruit, energy bars, crisps, chocolate and sandwiches, as well as socks, sanitary towels, antibacterial lotion, and toothbrush and toothpaste packs.
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Use of the machine is reserved exclusively for those in need, and items can only be vended with key cards handed out by Action Hunger and its partner organisations.
The charity hopes to roll out the initiative across the UK in a bid to tackle homeless.
