MEMORIAL gardens in Lancaster have become a haven for the homeless - to the distress of residents.

During the past few weeks people have been found sleeping rough in the gardens next to the Town Hall, prompting a city councillor to push for action to be taken.

"It is not just not nice, it is disrespectful," says Cllr Shelia Denwood, who has complained to the council several times.

"I have had complaints from residents upset about it and I agree. People sleeping rough have dragged a bench, which is in memory of the late Cllr Lamb, under some bushes and are sleeping on it.

"I complained a few weeks ago and they were moved on, but now the duvets and bags are back and everyone around here is appalled by this."

And she adds: "I'm disgusted that this is being allowed to happen."

The city council agrees that there is a problem in the memorial garden.

A spokesman told the Citizen: " There is some evidence of people sleeping in the bushes which we will have removed.

"The council will be examining whether it is possible to prune the shrubbery back a bit to make it more open and therefore less appealing as a place to sleep."