Rubbish has been left strewn across the graveyard which was used as a 'refuge' for homeless people.

Rough sleepers had been living in St George's churchyard in Ramsgate since the summer, but have departed following a backlash from visitors.

Calling it a ‘safe haven’, Mark Mckeown had been living in a tent in the graveyard for a few months after spending five months on the high street.

Watch KMTV's interview with Mark from when he was living in the churchyard

He said while he understood why people may label it ‘disgusting’, it was better than the alternative on the streets.

Speaking while living in the churchyard, he said: “I was down the high street before but I was attacked five times. I was sleeping in doorways, trying to find refuge.

“I came to the church and found some sort of refuge, I’ve not had any problem, not been attacked.

“To me, this is my safe haven, for now, until I can find the next step, the next place. People have said it is disrespectful, I apologise, but what else am I meant to do? I understand where they are coming from but where am I meant to go? What am I supposed to do?”

Mr Mckeown says that the only offer for housing he can get is in Medway.

"I've got children," he said. "I'm fixed to this area. There is no allocated place, if there was, things would be different.

"I understand people think it is disrespectful but I actually go around picking all the rubbish up in the churchyard.

"I can't respect it anymore than I do, I understand people are going to get upset about the situation.

"I'm upset about the situation but where am I supposed to go."

"Who wants to live on the streets? I don't, I would love somewhere to live..." Mark Mckeown

Having come out of a "bad marriage", Mr Mckeown says he walked out after she met someone else.

"I was so depressed," he added.

"The council said to me that because I walked out I made myself voluntary homeless so I don't fit the criteria.

"Who wants to live on the streets? I don't, I would love somewhere to live.

"I would love a room. I'm stuck in a tent, that's all I've got.

"They're opening a winter shelter, but what about a shelter for the rest of the year?

"It's something that's not thought of in this area, it's something that needs addressing."

Those who use the church's grounds regularly had complained about the decision for homeless people like Mr Mckeown to stay within it, calling it "uncomfortable" and "intimidating".

The Diocese of Canterbury, however, says permission had been granted for a number of rough sleepers to use the site on a "temporary" basis.

Spokesman Anna Drew said: "This was only ever intended to be a temporary measure, and we are aware that there have been a number of problems with the behaviour."

Today, Shelter has released the latest homeless statistics for the county.