CAMPAIGNERS and others held a minute’s silence at a York rally to remember those who die on the city’s streets.

And they cheered and clapped when Big Issue seller Liam Bigiss said: “There should be no more deaths on our streets in York.”

Liam and fellow Big Issue seller Norbert Lawrie had announced the date for the rally shortly before 46-year-old homeless man Chris McGregor was found dead outside at shoe shop in Goodramgate.

Speakers at the rally in St Helen’s Square yesterday evening to mark World Homeless Day called for more action to help the homeless and those in temporary accommodation.

Children were among those holding up banners highlighting the plight of the homeless.

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, who managed the York Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders hostel in Walmgate before he became a councillor, told the rally: “I have known many people who are on the streets.

“They may have problems but are also kind and respectful and have many skills

“They just need the chance to be allowed to shine.”

And he urged the hundred people or so attending the rally to stop and talk the next time they see a homeless person.

He also paid tribute to those working with the homeless at York at the Arc Light Centre, the Peasholme Resettlement Centre, Carecent and at his former place of work.

Speakers united in calling for more action both at home and abroad for those without what Cllr Pavlovic called the “basic right and need of every human being”, a safe place to live.

Other Labour and Lib Dem councillors were in the audience, as were homeless people and sympathisers of all ages.

The Food Not Bombs York group, which provides free food on St Helen’s Square on Friday, were kept busy providing food and drink at the rally, which also had stewards ensuring that those at the rally did not obstruct cars and other vehicles using the square.

The rally began with a prayer by the Rev Dr John Schofield, of Trinity Methodist Church, Monkgate, who is the city’s pastor to its Big Issue sellers. Dr Schofield led the minute’s silence to remember Mr McGregor and others, some of whom he named, who were homeless before they died. Buskers also performed at the rally.