A council has bought a block of flats in a bid to boost its temporary accommodation stock - as a homeless person camps outside its offices.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) now owns 14 studio apartments in Elwick Road after buying a property opposite the town’s empty Debenhams for an undisclosed sum.

The authority hopes the homes will "bring forward much-needed cost-effective temporary accommodation" and "significantly lower" its spend on bed and breakfasts.

But news of the purchase comes as a homeless woman has been camping outside the council’s offices in Tannery Lane for at least two weeks.

ABC says it is working to support the woman, who is staying in a covered area usually used as a cycle rack next to the Civic Centre entrance.

“We are aware of this woman's situation, which we have been trying to support her with," a spokesman said.

“She has complex needs and struggled to remain in accommodation we have placed her in several times, and at times, she has not accepted placements that have been offered to her and sometimes has difficulties engaging when support is provided to her.

“We are quite concerned about her due to her vulnerability and continue to work with her to explore housing options.”

ABC, which has been led by an Ashford Independents/Green coalition since last May, is set to leave the Civic Centre later this year.

The authority is shifting across to nearby International House - a move that could see its current home turned into social housing.

But with those plans still to be confirmed, ABC says buying the property in Elwick Road will "help tackle homelessness" in the area.

The council had already acquired the adjoining property - Trafalgar House at the bottom of Bank Street - in May 2023.

Prior to buying that site last year, ABC and other councils in Kent had already been using the block, which comprises 30 one-bed flats and three studios, to help those needing a home.

It also provides temporary accommodation at Christchurch House and Christchurch Lodge, both in South Ashford, and will launch Fortis House on Henwood Industrial Estate in September - a facility for homeless people built using stackable pods.

Former builder Zane Scamp, who has been homeless for two-and-a-half years, says he is pleased to hear more properties are being acquired.

KentOnline spoke to him outside the Civic Centre as he is a friend of the woman who has set up camp.

“I stayed here myself for a few months about a year ago and it was a nightmare as I was threatened to be moved on by police but I had nowhere else to go," the 50-year-old said.

“In town, you get beaten up, robbed, attacked and things are thrown at you.

“I was a builder, I had my own firm and I worked all my life but, unfortunately, I lost a parent on Boxing Day one year and from there it has been a downward spiral.

“I lost my wife, was in a car crash and lost several family members in the space of a year and a half so my head was a mess.

“They had a place for me up north [in Preston, Lancashire] and, at first, I didn't want to be moved out of town because I have two daughters.

“But I just need the stability and a roof over my head so I'm going to go.”

Mr Scamp says while he is pleased a place has been found for him, more needs to be done to help homeless people in Ashford.

“People from Ashford get sent to other towns and people from other towns get sent here and that doesn't help,” he explained.

“When people come here and they don't know anyone they end up getting involved with the wrong people and it's a circle.

“At one point I paid £2 and got on the bus to Canterbury to this amazing charity called Catching Lives.

“You can have a wash, get breakfast and dinner but there is nothing like that here.

“If you fall asleep on the street, someone will take your belongings.

“It's no wonder so many homeless people turn to drink and drugs to get away from it all.”

Responding to Mr Scamp's concerns, a council spokesman added: “We have been working with him for some time as he often disengages, and we end up having to try to locate him each time.

“We have now found accommodation for him, and will support him in moving.”

The spokesman added the council is "very much aware" of the "current national homelessness crisis".

"This is why we have a committed team of assessment and resettlement officers who are dedicated to working with the homeless and people who are rough-sleeping," they added.

“The team carries out three weekly outreach sessions in the community ensuring that everyone is offered the correct advice and support for their individual needs.

“In many respects, the team knows the individuals quite well in order to give them targeted and ongoing support.”

ABC says many homeless people “present with a number of complex needs and will often refuse any assistance”.

"In town, you get beaten up, robbed, attacked and things are thrown at you..."

“Some initially accept but struggle to engage with the support and lose the accommodation provided to them,” the spokesman added.

“Where the person consents, an interview will be conducted to establish what duties are owed to them under Part VII of The Housing Act 1996 (as amended).

“There are certain criteria which sets out who will be offered emergency accommodation. For those that do not meet this, support is offered through the outreach sessions.

“Rough sleepers who present with complex needs - mental health, drug/alcohol addiction, are supported with referrals to the appropriate services and assisted to attend appointments where necessary, with the ultimate aim of supporting them in addressing their complex behaviour and help to find suitable accommodation for them.

“In addition, the team also supports vulnerable single people who may be at risk of becoming homeless.

“Over the past year the team have assisted a total of 338 single people with 23% of these moving into long-term, secure accommodation.”