A THURROCK councillor has criticised the 'shameful' way a homeless person has been 'moved' from a sheltered sleeping spot in Corringham.

Cllr Gary Byrne who represents Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham's Homesteads ward, says a decision to glue bricks and rocks with an adhesive to the concrete floor where the homeless man occasionally spends the night is lacking in humanity.

The man, well-known in the Corringham area, has been sleeping outdoors under a walkaway adjacent to Amber Court, a private block of flats with an unused retail frontage on St John's Way in Corringham.

However, he is now unable to do so after the bricks, rubble and large stones were cemented in place.

Cllr Byrne says that as well as being inhospitable to the man, it presents a serious trip hazard for pedestrians.

Cllr Byrne has asked the council to investigate the legality of the action and says: "In these tough times it would be nice to see a bit of compassion and understanding to someone less fortunate than ourselves and to be honest I don't like to see this.

"He's not really causing anyone a problem or doing any harm. It's a bit shameful to see what has happened.

"I'm not sure who did it or sanctioned it and if its legal. It's certainly a trip risk.

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"What I am sure is that it's not a very nice thing to do in the season of goodwill to all!"