RESIDENTS are calling for homeless people to be moved from their campsite at a former Victorian rubbish tip.

At least four people are living in tents at Aston’s Eyot, an overgrown beauty spot on the banks of the River Cherwell and River Thames at the bottom of Jackdaw Lane, East Oxford.

There are five tents across three camps, and at one camp there is a portable cot, mirror and makeshift bath.

People living in the camps said they felt trapped on the land, which is owned by Christ Church. One man, who said he was called Leme and had come to Oxford from Slovakia, said: “I have a good life. I have been here for one year. I don’t have benefits so it’s impossible to live elsewhere.”

Another man, who refused to be named, said he had his passport stolen so he could not apply for work.

A local resident, who asked not to be named, said the problem of homelessness had been going on there for at least ten years and she had recently noticed a young child living there.

The 64-year-old rambler added: “There is no need for them to be there with all the homeless provision in this city. My biggest worry is one of them might be taken ill and no one will know about it. A few years ago someone died down there and someone found him in the morning.”

St Clement’s city councillor Nuala Young said: “I feel very concerned about the people who cannot afford housing in Oxford but love the city and want to stay here. I feel very concerned that they are living out in this weather.”

The beauty spot is set to get a new lease of life after Oxford City Council recently agreed to take on maintenance costs.

A council spokesman said it was aware there were rough sleepers at Aston’s Eyot and the street services team and police were working to find them accommodation.

She said there were six homeless people living in Oxford when officers last took a snapshot count, but added the street services team was working with between 50 and 60 people who needed rehousing at any one time.

Lesley Dewhurst, director of the 56-bed Night Shelter in Luther Street, said people not entitled to benefits could not use its shelter services.

No one from Christ Church was available to comment.