AN OCCUPY site in Bournemouth town centre is “dangerous”, homelessness experts have warned as the site reaches ‘eviction day’.

As reported in the Daily Echo, unused land at the site of the former Punshon Church was converted in early December into the Occupy Homeless Sanctuary, providing a “safe space” for rough sleepers.

The facility in Exeter Road has hosted around two dozen people at a single time since it opened. The site features tents stocked with food and clothing, as well as first aid to those in need of basic treatment.

Organisers who established the site have called Bournemouth council “disgusting in their attitude towards people”.

However, one official said the site is “dangerous” and “does much more harm than good”. An eviction notice is due to be served today on the camp.

A spokesperson from St Mungo’s, an organisation commissioned by Bournemouth and Poole councils to provide outreach services to support homeless people, said it is believed just six identified rough sleepers are on the site.

However, there are currently around 21 tents on the land. It is believed people not identified as homeless are also rough sleeping. Activists are also sleeping in tents to support Occupy.

“Our priority is always trying to help people away from the streets as soon as we can as sleeping rough is harmful and dangerous, especially as the temperatures drop,” said the spokesperson.

“If people are concerned about someone sleeping rough, we ask them to contact the StreetLink service at streetlink.org.uk and make a referral which we will follow up.

“We’re aware of the camp and have offered support to people sleeping rough to move away from the streets and start to recover and rebuild their lives.”

It is also reported that the organiser of Occupy is not helping people sleeping rough at the site to engage with homeless outreach teams.

However, volunteers will return to the area today to support rough sleepers who wish to access help.

Bournemouth central councillor Robert Chapman said: “It is totally unsuitable for people to be sleeping on this site and I hope the enforcement will go ahead.

"There is no need in this day and age for people to be sleeping like that. I'm quite sure the majority are not genuinely homeless."

Between May and the end of November, representatives from St Mungo’s have supported more than 100 people sleeping rough into accommodation in the Bournemouth area, as well as helping around 20 people to reconnect to safe accommodation out of the area.