MALVERN Wells Parish Council is calling on social services to help a man who is sleeping rough in a disused bus shelter.

The man, thought to be from eastern European, has been living there for several months, and local residents have been helping him with food, bedding and clothing.

Parish chairman Neil Chatten said: "The support the community has given to him, especially during the cold weather, was overwhelming and heart-warming: it demonstrated what a caring community Malvern Wells is.

"More recently we have received some complaints, largely concerning the visual impact; and certainly many parishioners have become frustrated with the apparent lack of progress and a concern that he may still be there come worsening weather at the end of the year.

"I met the gentleman over a coffee to establish his own intentions and hopes, and to see what longer-term support is being provided.

"I understand he is receiving support from a caseworker, hopefully working towards a resolution. We hope that this can materialise sooner rather than later, certainly before the end of the summer."

"The community has been very supportive, which is wonderful; however there has been an appreciable amount of donations that were surplus to requirements, such as spare bedding and clothing, much of which has had to be removed to charity shops.

"I would ask that if anyone is considering donating items to the gentleman that they establish, what, if anything, he requires first."