HOMELESS people have pitched tents on Brighton seafront – fuelling fears more rough sleepers will live in the resort’s beauty spots.

The tents have been erected on Max Miller Walk and passers- by have reported seeing people urinating on the floor and spitting down onto Madeira Drive.

Andy Winter, chief executive of Brighton Housing Trust, fears more homeless people will become visible at the tourist hot spots.

He said: “What we’re seeing here we will see happening more and in more prominent places.

“The situation in Brighton has been bad for a number of years and in the last year it has got much, much worse.”

The last homeless person count, which took place in December 2013, found there were 50 people sleeping rough in the city, but Mr Winter said the trust is currently working with between 140-150 homeless people in Brighton.

He added: “Without the current supported housing projects in Brighton, the number of men and women on the streets would be nearer 300. Changes are needed at a national level to ensure that truly affordable homes are built to meet local need.”

Traders also voiced their fears.

Greg Harman, owner of Madeira Cafe, said: “I’ve never seen anything like that before with tents being pitched up, I think it’s very sad and the council need to look into the situation.”

Residents said they have seen litter and excrement on Max Miller walk.

One trader, who asked not to be named, said: “Not only is it bad for residents and businesses, it’s bad for tourists.

“The area stinks and someone has to do something.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesperson said they are aware of the situation and officers are working with the homeless people with a view to resolving the situation as soon as possible.