Another voice has been added to the chorus of those raising concerns about the City of St. John’s decision to erect an eight-foot fence around the performance stage on George Street.

Doug Pawson of End Homelessness St. John’s says the tactic is not addressing the bigger issue at hand — homelessness. Some people had been using the covered stage for shelter and the city determined that was a safety and security concern and voted for a fence.

Pawson called the decision disappointing and said community collaboration could help find better solutions. NTV’s David Salter will have the story tonight on the NTV Evening Newshour.