THURROCK Council says it is engaging with a group of people who have set up a camp in the heart of Grays.

Five tents have been pitched on land adjacent to the Morrisons car park in the town centre - prompting complaints from local people who say the site is untidy, smells and should not be allowed. It is also cited as a source of litter.

The space near Morrisons from where rough sleepers were moved on.

It is believed the people camping may be those who were recently 'moved on' after sleeping rough on an adjacent patch of land on George Street.

Thurrock Council, which is steadfastly promoting a 'Civic Pride' campaign that focusses on smartening up local areas, was approached by Nub News to comment on the site.

It says: "Our Housing Solutions team is in touch with the three individuals living here and our rough sleeper coordinator has engaged with all of them.

"As we are sure you can understand the causes of rough sleeping are complex, and the barriers that prevent people from finding a home are often different for each rough sleeper.

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"Simply moving people on is not a solution to these complex issues, or a viable way to resolve the issues associated with rough sleeping. Instead work needs to take place to address their underlying needs.

"Our team is working to ensure that appropriate housing and support options are explored, particularly where individuals are struggling to engage or are reluctant to accept accommodation, to help them resolve these issues and find a place to live."

The Hogg Lane encampment.

As well as the encampment at Morrisons, local people have also highlighted a small settlement in the heart of a traffic island on Hogg Lane, where its occupants regularly light open fires.