A FENCE is being erected to stop people from camping in bushes.

Homeless people have been pitching tents and keeping belongings in the area near the King Alfred in Hove since April.

The Argus previously reported how a man has moved into the spot despite accommodation being provided by Brighton and Hove City Council. Since then, the site has been used by other rough sleepers and has grown.

A picture taken this month shows bedding, flowers, tennis rackets and footballs in the area as a woman, believed to be an occupant, spoke with police.

A spokesman for the council said: “The site that is occupied is private land.

“Last week we supported the landowner to clear the site after the occupant had left the area, but they have returned. The landowner has ordered fencing to be erected.

“We have informed our partner organisations that the occupant has returned and have asked them to outreach the site to offer advice and support.”

In late March, central Government demanded that all councils must provide accommodation for every rough sleeper and gave the authorities money to achieve it.

The council housed its rough sleepers, reported to number about 200, by brokering deals with hotels and guest houses who were unable to accommodate guests following the announcement of lockdown measures.