A charity boss said there is a “hidden population” of homeless young people forced to live on the streets in Medway

Martin Sissons is general manager of Emmaus, which supports people who would otherwise not have a roof over the heads

He is concerned that there is a growing number of people begging to survive and he hit back at claims by some traders that vagrants who are camping out in Rochester High Street are not homeless and are just trying to get extra cash from visitors to the town.

Mr Sissons said: “It is a myth that they are not homeless and live in flash houses in Rochester. There is a real lack of housing for these people, especially young men, and they really have no other option but to sleep out.

“These are the ones we see in the high streets, but there is a hidden population we don’t see. Perhaps they might be sleeping at night on the Great Lines. There are also an increased number of sofa surfers.”

Emmaus has shops in Rochester and Chatham High Street and provides food and accommodation in Chatham for residents who waive state benefits to work for the charity.

Sanjay Raval, who runs the City Wall wine bar and is a leading member of the Medway Safer Partnership, disagreed with Mr Sissons.

He is also concerned that the beggars could put off visitors at the Dickens Festival next weekend, one of the most popular and lucrative events of the year

Mr Raval said: “While I don’t deny some may be homeless, the bigger element are not and just turn up to exploit people’s generosity. They tend to turn up mid-afternoon and towards the end of the week when there are more people around. It is a calculated operation and they take up key positions in the High Street.”

Another shopkeeper, who did not want to be named, said: “Quite a few of them congregate around near the dentists at the Star Hill end, sitting on the bench drinking. It is not a good look for visitors as they arrive in the town.”

A police spokesman, said: “We are aware of public concern over street drinking and begging in Rochester High Street and the Medway Community Safety Unit is working on this as a priority.

“We recognise begging takes place and we work with councils and homeless charities to support a long-term solutionfor those who are genuinely in need.

“Begging in a public place is an offence under Vagrancy Act 1824. Rochester High Street is an alcohol-controlled zone and any concerns around people drinking alcohol in public in this area should be reported on 101.”