BUSINESSES say they are being plagued by drug users defecating on their doorstep in a busy city centre street.

Staff at businesses in Manchester Street, off St James’s Street in Brighton, have reported seeing open drug deals in door fronts, along with discarded alcohol cans and needles from rough sleepers.

Latest Music bar and television directors Bill Smith and Angi Mariani say some drug users have burst into the venue during the day to shoot-up in the toilets.

Meanwhile Isabel Ribeiro from the EC Brighton English Language School says students’ first glimpse of the UK leaves them shocked.

She said: “We’ve notice that there are more rough sleepers hanging around Manchester Street.

“Sometimes we have even found them sleeping in our doorway. They leave cans of beer around, we’ve found them taking drugs, and now excrement is being left on our doorstep.

“We have students travelling from around the world to come and study in Brighton, and unfortunately, this is often their first impression of the city.

“It shocks them to see this. Their perception of a rich country is that this shouldn’t be happening. It is not our aim to conceal the issue of homelessness.

“But as they witness this, it would be great for them to also see what the city is doing to tackle the problems that rough sleepers face.”

Angi Mariana from Latest CIC said: “There is very obvious drug injecting and dealing in doorways all along Manchester Street.

“I’ve spotted on half a dozen occasions drug deals being done. It’s shocking really. On one occasion I was leaving the bar and there were three people taking drugs. I was really worried for one man and called an ambulance.

“On another occasion there was a 17-year-old lad injecting himself in our toilets.”

Chief Inspector Rachel Swinney first responded to concerns in May last year.

The Brighton commander said: “Local prevention teams continue to focus on this area. We will continue to work with our partners, the city council, drug and alcohol and homeless support agencies - to look at the best solutions to these issues.

"It is vitally important that we will take every opportunity to ensure that we have that visible presence where it’s needed.

"Work continues with residents and businesses in the St James's Street area of the city to make it a hostile environment to those seeking to commit criminal offences."

She said drug dealing, taking and antisocial behaviour can be reported on the Sussex Police website or by calling 101.

Brighton and Hove City Council said it works with partners to help people rebuild their lives.

The authority said: “We addressed a complaint received before Christmas and continue to be ready to speak with businesses on St James’s Street about their concerns.

“We’re aware of the impact the street community has on businesses, the wider community and visitors to the city.

“We work with partners across the city to help people who’re sleeping rough, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to move away from the streets and into services that can help them rebuild their lives.

"Services include outreach workers, homeless assessment hub, night shelters, 700 supported accommodation beds for people with complex needs and the trailblazer homeless prevention work.

"Details of the help available are on the council website.

“There is a national housing crisis and the flow of people onto the streets remains high.

"We’re doing all we can to help those in need, who are often extremely vulnerable, while balancing this with the needs of residents and businesses.

"Incidents of illegal or dangerous behaviour should be reported to the police.”