Concern over plight of homeless man living in tent beside Ipswich road

A man living in a tent on the edge of Ipswich says he has not sought help - and has not turned aid down.

Ipswich Borough Council says it is trying to help the homeless man sleeping on Westerfield Road following concerns from residents in the area.

However, the occupant of the tent, who has been living at the spot under canvas since December 2018, says he has not contacted local agencies and the only one which has visited him is IHAG.

He said he had not been offered help that he had refused.

A local resident expressed concern over the plight of a person living under canvas in the cold and wet.

The resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I first noticed the tent in the summer, so it has been there for several months. I have seen it because it is near where I go running.

"After a cold snap, we now have a cold and wet spell, and I'm worried about someone having to live in a tent, as it is only thin canvas."

The man said he was also concerned over a build-up of rubbish bags nearby. He said: "There must be at least 12 bulging bags there."

A spokesman for the borough council said: "We are aware of the person sleeping in a tent on Westerfield Road and we have visited him several times to offer advice and support. He has declined this so far, but we will continue to visit to offer this assistance.

"As part of the solution, we would look to deal with any rubbish and stop any further being left there."