A HOMELESS camp where dwellers allegedly drink, take drugs and light fires has been labelled an “eye sore” by nearby homeowners who also claim passers-by are verbally abused.

Gatherings of half a dozen rough sleepers regularly meet at the site, on land off Kennet Green in Ronkswood, leaving piles of litter, it has been claimed.

There are currently two tents permanently erected on the apparently privately-owned patch of grass on the entrance to Williamson Road, with the camp said to have been there for a year.

A 45-year-old resident, who did not wish to be named, said he has called the fire service to extinguish an “out of control” fire at the camp, and wants the city council to move the dwellers into proper homes.

He said residents, including his daughter and her young child, feel too “intimidated” to walk past the camp, with people reportedly being sworn at and subjected to lewd gestures.

Camp members are also said to urinate in full view of passersby, while gatherings take place early in the morning and into the evening.

Another resident claims she has reported the issue to the council and the police but they “don’t want to know”, adding that “children are scared” and “it’s disgusting.”

A spokesman for Battenhall and Nunnery Safer Neighbourhood Policing team said it has received three calls in relation to the issue since January.

“The calls are in relation to homeless people staying in tents, a controlled fire and suspicion that people there are using drugs. There is no mention on the calls about people being verbally abused.”

The spokesman said police do “conduct high visibility patrols in the area” and have been in contact with the council regarding them “going through the process to remove the tents.”

“We are currently waiting for further contact back from the council,” they added.

A city council spokesman said: “Maggs Homeless Outreach Service is aware of this small encampment – they are already offering support and alternative accommodation to the people there. Any potential eviction order would need to be served by the land owner and we are currently establishing who this is.”

The tents were vacant when we visited yesterday.