Express & Star

Homeless man erects tent on Wolverhampton's Vine Island

A homeless man has erected a tent in the middle of one Wolverhampton's busiest roundabouts.

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The blue tent on Vine Island

The blue tent at Vine Island on the A449 Stafford Road, at Fordhouses, was first spotted earlier today. It prompted people to express concern for the person living there on social media.

The tent's occupant, a 43-year-old man from Wolverhampton, told the Express & Star he has been sleeping on the island for around two weeks but only erected the tent overnight on Wednesday.

The man, who did not give his name, said he had been homeless since April this year.

He added: "There are plenty of places I could go but I don't want to be with people I don't know.

"I would rather be on my own and here is as good as anywhere.

"It has been alright here. People have been really kind and given me money. I don't beg for it."

The former general labourer said he had been visited earlier today by representatives from the charity P3, who offered to provide him with a food package.

He has also been visited by staff at Wolverhampton council, which has concerns over safety and has referred the matter to the police.

A spokesman for the council, said: “Members of our outreach team have today visited the man concerned and offered him accommodation and general assistance, which he has declined.

“Our main concern at this moment in time is the man’s safety and the distraction to motorists and pedestrians on what is a busy road.

“He has been urged to move on and the matter has now been passed onto the anti-social behaviour team and the police to manage the situation.”

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