The town’s growing number of rough sleepers have now set up their tents – in a cemetery.

They moved in days ago as concern grows over the plight of homeless people in Maidstone.

Some have previously pitched up in parks, gardens and even High Street shop fronts in a desperate attempt to find a safe haven.

Squatters have also taken up residence – and been evicted from – empty town centre buildings including the old Maidstone library and NatWest bank.

In addition, a separate shanty village of eight tents has pitched in Cuckoo Woods Avenue, near Penenden Heath.

Now four tents have set up in the old Union Street/Brewer Street cemetery, a five-minute walk from the bustling prosperity of Maidstone’s up-market stores.

One of the new arrivals is 39-year-old Kelly Anderson, who has been living rough since November.

She says she landed up on the streets when her landlord had his house repossessed.

Back in April she was evicted from Brenchley Gardens.

“I now feel very vulnerable,” said Miss Anderson.

She added: “I’m looked upon by this group in the cemetery as a kind of mother figure, because I try very hard steering them into feeling positive and taking care of themselves.

“We’re very clean and we tidy up wherever we go.

“Just giving us one night’s shelter would save the council money in eviction notices, police resources and the public from feeling unnecessarily uncomfortable.

“There must be lots of empty buildings in the borough.”

Another in the cemetery is Amy Louise Baker, 26. She said: “I would love a roof over my head but I just can’t seem to get started.”

Then there’s Shirley Morrissey, 46, who’s been homeless for three years until a complete stranger bought her a pop-up tent four weeks ago to shelter in.

“I was really moved that a woman I didn’t know could do this for me and also provide me with food.”

“I’m looked upon by this group in the cemetery as a kind of mother figure, because I try very hard steering them into feeling positive and taking care of themselves" - Kelly Anderson

Another member of the group is Lien Stafford, 32, who says he’s been homeless for 18 months.

“Basically, I’ve got to prove I’m homeless in Maidstone before I can be considered for housing.”

The annual borough survey found there were 19 people sleeping rough, although the number is believed to have now increased.

Maidstone council said: “We do not have empty homes or commercial buildings.

“We are concentrating all our efforts on helping rough sleepers with housing advice and other support.”

Only last week one rough sleeper was offered accommodation, the spokesman added.

“The cemetery land is privately owned so the council cannot take action unless there is a public health or safety risk.”