The founder of a homeless support charity wants people to have more compassion for rough sleepers as the cost of living crisis continues.

Gillingham Street Angel's (GSA) chief executive, Neil Charlick, explained Medway's homeless population "aren't dangerous animals" and need support instead of hate.

The 51-year-old said: "Homeless people aren't dangerous animals, they're just normal individuals having a hard time.

"The cost of living crisis is going to make the situation so much worse for many other people, people with full-time jobs are even coming to us for support.

"Those that are still able to pay their bills and live in their homes need to cut those living on the streets some slack.

"They didn't choose to be homeless, calling the police on them and demanding they leave the area is pointless.

"Tents and people living in high streets may spoil your view but what about them, where do you suppose they go?

"We can't put up signs that say 'No homeless people in Rochester'."

Neil's frustration comes as several tents have been spotted across Medway in recent weeks.

Three tents have been pitched at a park in Rochester where people have been living for about seven weeks.

Those living there are considered vulnerable, however, despite Neil's explanation, residents opposite the field want them removed.

One dog walker said: "Seven weeks ago some people pitched just one tent on the field opposite my house.

"It's our local park where we walk our dogs and have picnics, that sort of thing, it's not fair that they chose that area to live.

"Now some people are too scared to even go into the park at all."

The man, who did not wished to be named, alerted the council as soon as the first tent appeared.

Almost two months later he says nothing has been done and a third tent has now been put up.

He said: "When they first appeared my neighbours and I alerted the council, ever since we've been trying to find out what the process is for removing this sort of encampment.

"Sometimes the tents are empty but other times the people inside them are standing around drinking and being antisocial.

"They scare the dog walkers, people don't want to use the park any more.

"I could be wrong, but I suspect this encampment is a manifestation of a much bigger problem."

Another tent was previously spotted in Rochester town centre near the castle, the council has confirmed this has now been moved.

Neil, who started GSA after experiencing homelessness himself, added: "We offer a range of support and Medway Council also offers many good services to those in need.

"The number of homeless people in our towns will get worse as bills go up."

The charity has a food bank in Skinner Street, Gillingham, and also offers clothes, sleeping bags and much more to vulnerable people in need.

He finished: "Lets not make the homeless situation worse and shoo them away with a broomstick.

"Poverty is affecting more people than ever and we're always looking for a solution.

"Medway Council is also doing their best but the way things work are going to need to change as the cost of living crisis continues."

To find out more about the GSA and the services they offer click here.www.thestreet-angels.org/

A Medway Council spokesman said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to help rough sleepers across Medway.

"When a rough sleeper is reported to us, we visit the area and offer our advice and support.

"We would encourage anyone who is homeless, or who is at risk of becoming homeless to visit Kingsley House in Gillingham to access the specialist advice and support available to them.

“We offer year-round support to residents who are at risk of homelessness as well as those with nowhere to live.

"Our outreach team works closely with people found sleeping rough in Medway to help them access a range of services and find suitable accommodation. We continue to support them after they find accommodation.

“During severe weather, when temperatures are forecasted to drop below freezing, we provide emergency accommodation for rough sleepers and we work with our partners in the Homelessness Forum to help spread the message to get as many rough sleepers as possible into the warm.”