Councils in the south west of England have been slammed for evicting homeless sheltering from the wind and rain that is sweeping Britain.
Council bosses in Torbay, Devon, apparently pinned an eviction notice on a couple's tent that was pitched on public land – causing outrage online.
Homeless Charity Humanity Torbay posted a photo of the eviction notice, which read: "This tent/camp has been noted as being pitched illegally in contravention of local bylaws.
"This area is owned by Torbay Council and is regularly patrolled by park rangers and/or police.
"Please REMOVE this tent, its contents and any litter or it is liable to be removed and possibly confiscated then DISPOSED of by Torbay Council."
The couple have been living in their tent for several weeks while they try to get re-housed.
The council argued that the letter is not an eviction notice but a bylaw which allows parks departments to remove unofficial campsites.
In a statement, Torbay Council said: "Please be assured that we are aware of the individuals concerned and we have been working closely with them.
"We are helping them to secure accommodation and making sure they are safe."
But the charity claims it could be another three weeks before they are found a roof over their heads.
A few days ago it was announced that The Leonard Stocks Centre, a 32-bed hostel in Torquay, could be closed after claims that it is the source of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
Nick Pannell, chairman of the Friends of Factory Row, claimed closing the hostel at its current site, which has 32 beds for men and women, would leave a “dangerous gap” in services.
In Bristol, the council has put up signs threatening to remove belongings if rough sleepers are caught sheltering from the torrential rain in carparks.
Shutters have also been put up on multistory car parks in the city to keep people out.
Paul Lindsay-Jones, 55, who is deaf, was thrown out of a car park after he had set up a living area in a parking space.
He had laid down cardboard carpet, bought bedding and even had framed pictures on display.
But others trying to copy his lead and running into trouble with local councils.
Warnings signs have gone in Bristol car parks telling rough sleepers that their belongings will be removed.
Hampshire resident Karen Headley said: "Fareham Borough Council are in the process of putting shutters on their multi-storey car parks, and closing them at night, to prevent rough sleepers from sheltering there.
Another shocked local Paul Robinson said: "If they don't want people on the streets let people use empty offices, warehouses or bring back squatters' rights, as long as property isn't being damaged, there are thousands of empty properties across the UK that have been empty for years."
Karen Bright said: "Just when you think they can't sink any lower, wtf is wrong with the people on these councils.
"Shame on them all."
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