Firefighters are being repeatedly called to Canterbury's newest homeless refuge over fears fires at the former petrol station could cause an explosion.

City crew members say they are visiting the makeshift homeless camp at the old Total garage in Rhodaus Town every other day after blazes are started by rough sleepers.

Figures from Kent Fire and Rescue Service show there have been five visits to the petrol station in 10 days – the first taking place on Saturday, April 27.

One firefighter says they are often asked to attend the garage by police, but had not encountered any problems with rough sleepers who are fully equipped to douse the flames.

The fires are regularly started at the site to barbecue food or to keep warm during the evenings.

Police spokesman Jane Walker said: “It is understandable people have concerns when people see fires being lit where there was fuel.

“However, our advice is the site has been decommissioned and there is no fuel stored there.”

Mrs Walker stressed the rough sleepers are not committing any criminal offences at the garage.

She added: “The site is not secure and there has been no crime reported so unless the landowner secures the site we only have limited powers.”

The Gazette revealed last month how up to 20 people a night have been bedding down at the garage after it was closed in January to make way for student bedrooms.

At the city council’s last planning meeting, members narrowly passed proposals for 432 bedrooms despite concerns over road safety and building designs.

It was revealed at the meeting that negotiations between site owners Peugeot and Canterbury Christ Church University to take over management of the bedrooms are almost finalised.

Attempts were made to contact Peugeot, but a response could not be sought before we went to press.