Rough sleepers have set up an encampment with tents, chairs and parasols near a busy beach.

The camp was set up in a shelter on the top terrace of Brighton's Dukes Mound.

A resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that food and rubbish are often left there and there is an unpleasant smell.

He claims that the camp has been there for months and that it blocks access to pedestrians because it is getting bigger.

“It’s unpleasant to walk past it," he said. "I walk there daily for exercise. It’s hard not to notice it.

“They are spreading themselves out. Because of the warmer weather, they have put out deck chairs.

The Argus: A resident has complained that the encampment is expanding A resident has complained that the encampment is expanding (Image: The Argus)

“The people there don’t have anywhere to live. The council should do something about this.”

READ MORE: Brighton: Tent city returns to Hove beach near King Alfred

Councillor Gill Williams, chairwoman of the council’s Housing and New Homes committee, said: “We are aware of the tents near Dukes Mound and the occupants have been issued with no camping notices instructing them to remove their tents.

“Our officers are in contact with the occupants, who are being supported to find housing, and will, of course, also engage with anyone pitching additional tents.

“We would encourage people to report all rough sleepers, including those in tents, directly to the council via StreetLink - Connecting people sleeping rough to local services (thestreetlink.org.uk) so local outreach services can engage with the people concerned and support them into accommodation.”

Another camp was set up near the King Alfred leisure centre in Hove before the last bank holiday weekend.

Locals complained of antisocial behaviour with rubbish and a fire spotted nearby.

Some tents were first spotted at the start of April alongside beach huts near Hove Lawns but the number of tents then grew.

The council said it was aware of the tents and their occupants - who were being supported to find placement in more permanent housing. The council gave them an official notice to leave.