BOURNEMOUTH council must do more to help the 'hidden' homeless after the Occupy clashes, says a councillor.

Last month a group of rough sleepers and activists from Occupy Bournemouth took up residence on private land opposite the Bournemouth International Centre, before they were evicted by bailiffs earlier this month.

The Green Party's Simon Bull, who represents Winton East, said he had visited the site on Boxing Day and there was a need for more official support for those who do not meet the borough's 'homelessness criteria'.

"No-one would have chosen to stay there on such a cold and windy day if they could have been warm and safe elsewhere," he said.

"The council has in place a Homeless Strategy but no-one should be mistaken into thinking that that prevents homelessness or offers immediate support to everyone in need."

He said many rough sleepers had "no other option" but to remain on the streets.

"There is a local policy in place to discourage people from giving homeless people money, food, sleeping bags or anything that may make it easier to remain on the streets," he said.

"This would make some sense if when a resident becomes homeless they are given the support they needed from the council.

"But that does not happen, they do not get offered a bed for the night except under very limited circumstances."

The Occupy camp has since relocated to the coal yard site by the former Boscombe Railway Station.

Bournemouth council has been buying up properties around the town and converting them into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in a bid to house the homeless.

Cllr Bull questioned the borough leadership at a meeting on Tuesday, and Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said measures were in place to deal with rough sleeping, which was on the increase nationally "for many complex reasons".

"Access to housing is part of the solution, but we also work closely with support agencies such as drug and alcohol services, social care and mental health services, which are essential in order to address the complex issues that our customers often face," he said.

"You may be aware that St Mungos took over the delivery of our valuable rough sleeper team service in April 2017.

"They are a key service for homeless people and encourage vulnerable people to engage with the services that they need in order to make positive changes in their lives.

"We are always considering our overall approach and services, especially around rough sleeping.

"Our services are constantly evolving to better meet people’s needs."