ROUGH sleepers have been seen camping out on gravestones in a Southend cemetery.

The group of a reported five rough sleepers have been seen camping inside the North Road cemetery, leaving sleeping bags and tents on top of the graves of people's loved ones.

Dog walkers have also been spotted allowing their dogs to foul on the side of graves in the cemetery.

A woman who saw the rough sleepers when visiting her grandparents said: "I realise that it is hard for them to find a place to stay that is safe and out of the way but they should have more respect.

"In the case of this group of rough sleepers, they should be showing that.

"I have sympathy with the homeless and I am a dog owner myself but you should not let people just go around fouling on the resting places of people."

Following reports of the issue, Southend Council's cabinet member for public protection, Mark Flewitt told the Echo the council was aware of the issue which has been ongoing for some time.

Mr Flewitt added that a "balanced approach" must be taken to this clearly "difficult situation".

He said: “Along with serving a notice to quit to a group last week with the support of the police, various council staff members have also been attempting to engage with the rough sleepers and connect them to the many support services available locally.

"Further outreach work is being carried out this week to try and connect those rough sleeping with services.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and assess next steps as and when necessary.”

The Echo contacted Southend's homeless charity Harp about the ongoing issue where it urged any rough sleepers who are being forced to spend the night in graveyards, to contact the charity.

Gary Turner, HARP’s Service Operations Manager, said “a sad reality of life on the streets is that rough sleepers often need to find somewhere quiet and secluded in an attempt to stay out of harm’s way.

"For those in crisis safety is a priority.

"We have heard of rough sleepers turning to churches and graveyards as a last resort, but we’re not aware of people sleeping on graves."

If you know someone who is homeless or at risk of homelessness, you should report the person to www.StreetLink.org.uk so they can be offered the support they need.