ANGRY locals living in a seaside town have told how it is turning into a “tent city” with poo and rubbish everywhere.
Fed-up residents in Plymouth say their popular area has been invaded by disgusting camps.
What used to be a picturesque town is now becoming a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and filth, fuming locals said.
A number of tents have been set on the Hoe near the Nancy Astor statue a few yards from Plymouth University.
Occupants have made the area their own – leaving excrement and trash behind.
Clothes have also appeared on washing lines and residents have complained about the smell of urine in the camp.
Shocked locals said occupants urinate up against the wall which runs between the grass area and Elliot Terrace – including the Lord Mayor’s official residence.
One resident slammed: “[The area] is covered in litter, dirty laundry, and the bush/wall behind the Astor Statue, in front of Elliot Terrace, has become their toilet area and is now strewn in toilet paper covered in faeces.”
The area is now a “tent city” with many set around iconic spots including one next to the statue of former Prime Minister Theresa May.
They even camped inside the grounds of the nearby Sensory Garden and Peace Garden which sits close to the Plymouth Naval Memorial.
Groups of tourists often come to the landmark to visit the historical statue of Nancy Astor.
However, locals now fear tourism could be affected as guides haven’t approaching the area since the tents appeared.
The area is normally a peaceful place where families socialise and dogs are walked.
But residents now watch in fear antisocial behaviour from occupants drinking alcohol and causing disturbance.
The screaming and fighting at night has made their lives in the small town a hell – with one incident of an alleged assault reported to police.
As a result, Plymouth City Council has said they are treating the area as an “unauthorised encampment”.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware there are a number of tents pitched around the Hoe and while our Rough Sleeper Team are working with the occupants to support them to move on as quickly as possible, we are now treating the tents as an unauthorised encampment.
“We are working closely with all partner agencies to make sure the area remains accessible to all and our street cleaning team are visiting the area on a regular basis.”
It comes as other locals living near one of the UK’s most popular beaches have told of how their lives are being made a misery by feral motorists.
Bournemouth beach was packed out during the summer as thousands of sun seekers pitched deck chairs down for the day.
Elsewhere, a town has lost so much faith in its police force it’s hired its own law enforcement squad to patrol the streets.
Hertsmere Borough Council, in Hertfordshire, will end its funding for police community support officers next year.
September 14, 2023 at 03:37PM
from The Sun