TWO homeless men desperate for a safe place to lay their heads have been evicted from a bush!

Barry Hatwell and Steven Ralph were so sick of being attacked as they slept in shop doorways that they came up with a novel alternative.

With just five pallets, a few scraps of a carpet and some plastic they made a "den" in a bush in Boscombe.

Their home, alongside Hawkwood Road car park, was not visible to passers-by.

But officials alerted to its existence have issued the pair with a warning get out or be thrown out.

Bournemouth council issued Barry, 33, and 39-year-old Steven with a "no camping" notice.

It says it was acting on complaints from locals and was concerned about the safety of people using the car park.

The notice, from the community, parks and countryside team, warns that they are breaking bylaw six, which prohibits unauthorised tents, buildings or other structures.

But Steven, known as Ralphie, told the Daily Echo: "We are in an impossible position. If we sleep in doorways we have things thrown at us and get attacked when people come out of the pubs.

"We have also been robbed and we need somewhere safe to stay.

"We are not doing anyone any harm."

Barry added: "We haven't got any money for a deposit for a flat and most places say no DSS'. We thought we would be safe here."

The notice, issued on June 29, gives them 48 hours to leave, but so far no action has been taken.

Carly Earnshaw, council spokesperson, said: "A notice was served along with helpful information after we had received a number of complaints from residents and after considering the safety of the people who use the car park.

"We work closely with the homeless organisations and when a notice is served under these circumstances advice is also given indicating where people can go to gain help."