A ‘beautiful’ shelter and garden built by a homeless man in Folkestone will be destroyed, sparking anger by residents.

The small shed has been erected at Marine Walk and features a front door, window and wood panelling.

A garden with hanging baskets, flowers and shingle sits alongside the small structure.

It is not known when the cabin was erected but a notice has since been issued by Folkestone and Hythe District Council, calling for the occupier to vacate his makeshift home.

The shelter is then to be demolished.

But the eviction notice has angered residents, who have lambasted the council for their actions and claim the structure is doing no harm.

Cathy White said on Twitter: "A homeless man built this beautiful shelter and garden. @fstonehythedc have slapped a notice on it.

"Shame on them."

Blogger Karen also said on Twitter said: "Why can’t they just let it go? He’s not hurting anyone."

Coleen Baldock, 68, from the town and who regularly walks along Mermaid Beach, where the structure sits, said: “I think it’s amazing what he’s done.

"I’d give it 10 out of 10. The garden is lovely and he’s got double glaze window and a door and roof.

“I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.

“But I guess it’s in the wrong place. There are beach huts along from it and people pay a lot for them.”

Terrance O’Flynn, 53, also from Folkestone, said: “He’s a good guy. I’ve known him about 10 years; he’s homeless but he doesn’t beg or steal.

“He’s not doing anyone any harm. Nothing was sitting there for years.

“We’re in 2019 and homelessness shouldn’t exist.”

The occupier of the cabin, who did not want to comment further, added that wanted to be able to stay in the structure.

But a spokesman for the council said although the shed must be removed they have helped the man who resides there get in contact with homeless charities.

A spokesman for Folkestone and Hythe District Council said: "We are aware of the illegal structure on Marine Walk and our officers have issued notice for the man who is residing there to vacate and remove his belongings next week. The structure will then be dismantled.

"We are working closely with Porchlight and the Rainbow Centre who have made contact with the man to help him access the relevant help and support."