A HOMELESS camp which local residents first complained about last summer appears to have been reestablished by rough sleepers.

Neighbours living in and around Cambridge Road, Bournemouth, say homeless people have set up the camp in bushes close to the Wessex Way again.

The camp includes a tent, makeshift seating and sleeping areas - even a pram.

One local resident, who lives five minutes walk from the site with his young family, told the Echo: "We had a lot of problems here last year with drug taking and all sorts, but while it definitely eased up - it never quite died away completely.

"I've seen people coming in and out of that area more regularly in recent days.

"It appears people are sleeping in there again."

Another neighbour, who also asked not to be named, said: "Some of the people coming and going around here look quite frightening, they often appear drunk or out of it. You wouldn't want your children out here on their own."

Last week the Daily Echo reported on an event which saw council leaders, MPs and charities highlight the work of the Street Support programme - an initiative launched, last year, to bring all the local community support in one place and to help people out of homelessness.

Speaking at that time, Shelley Morris - who runs homeless support group Second Chance - said: "Some cases of homelessness aren't straightforward and there are complicated issues.

"We are working with some of these people along with other agencies."

Homeless people have also been camping outside the now vacant M&S building in the town centre.

Last month Bournemouth council’s cabinet was recommended to approve £14.5 million in additional funding to buy housing for the homeless.

A project was started in February 2016 with the aim of buying 60 properties over three years to reduce the number of people being housed in bed and breakfasts.

In September 2017, £18.5m was provided to expand the programme, including the expansion of Morrell House, the council’s emergency hostel.