HOMELESS people are sleeping against “Basildon at 70 where the future begins” signs in the town centre.

Stan and Joan Dyson have demanded council action, after witnessing the impacts of homelessness first hand, when they befriended a rough sleeper called Mick, who ironically sleeps against the sign in the town.

Stan, 75, from Basildon, said: “We first saw Mick absolutely distraught and soaking wet a few weeks, if not months, ago.

“Ever since we’ve walked past him near enough every day. He’s in such a prominent position, so Basildon Council must be aware of him - the council office is about 100 yards or so down the road so councillors and employees must walk by, yet nothing is being done to help.

“Mick has nothing but a few layers to keep him warm and I’ve felt how damp his clothes are. This really doesn’t help when he’s already forced to sleep in these horribly cold conditions.

“To have people living like this in our town in the 21st century is concerning. These are human lives at stake.

“I’ve never wanted to ask how he ended up in this position, but now that I’ve got to know him, I feel like I have a responsibility to do all I can to help him.”

Everytime Stan and his wife Joan see Mick, they give him some money for a hot drink or a bite to eat.

Stan continued: “Not long ago we gave him a massive bag of sweets that we would usually give to the grandchildren, and always give him at least a pound for a coffee or some food when we see him.

“What’s worse is he’s not the only one - I’d say there’s about six of them around the town in total, outside ASDA, near Primark, each have their own spots which they stay in. We’ve got to know all of their faces.

“Without council action, I don’t see them getting out of this rut. They badly need support.”

His wife, Joan, 75, said: “It makes me so angry when people walk past them and turn their noses up, someone has even told me before not to give them money.”

A Basildon Council spokesperson, said: “This individual is known to us and has been offered help.

“We regularly promote Streetlink, to connect homeless people with outreach teams who can help people secure accommodation if they want it. Those outreach teams also have access to warm clothes and bedding for people in need.”