People are “afraid” to use a High Wycombe underpass because of anti-social behaviour and a makeshift camp made up of shopping trolleys and tarpaulin.

Members of the public have complained to Buckinghamshire Council about the underpass that runs beneath Arch Way, from the Premier Inn, towards Frogmoor.

One person complained that the area looks “third world” because a “squatter’s camp” has been set up in there and others have complained about anti-social behaviour in the underpass.

The underpass is well-used by people who need to get across the busy Arch Way from the hotel, the Dovecote car park and beyond, to the town centre.

Complaining on FixMyStreet, one person said that a makeshift camp had been set up, made up of shopping trolleys and tarpaulin, which was discouraging people from using it.

One said: “Okay Buckinghamshire Council. Come to High Wycombe. A squatter has set up home in the underpass between the Premier Inn and Frogmoor.

“A substantial squat constructed from shopping trolleys and a tarpaulin. Something I thought only happened in the Third World.

“When are you going to deal with this eyesore and the aggressive beggars in White Hart Street?”

Another added: “There is a makeshift tent situated in the underpass by the entrance to Premier Inn. I have witnessed anti-social behaviour on several occasions and people are afraid to use the walkway.”

It comes amid a rise in homelessness in High Wycombe, which was talked about by Wycombe Homeless Connection CEO James Boultbee last week, and also complaints of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Mark Winn, the cabinet member for homelessness and regulatory services at Buckinghamshire Council, said: "I actually went on a walkaround of High Wycombe yesterday (Thursday, July 21) with officers and our partners who support rough sleepers and some local members who raised issues of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town.

“We are very much aware of this person and are proactively working with our partners and local support services to find suitable and appropriate accommodation to offer them. 

"We will continue to work in partnership with those who help us to support rough sleepers so that they come off the streets and into accommodation and with our partners such as the police and communities to reduce ASB and the fear of crime in the county.”

He added that anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour should report it to Thames Valley Police.

He said: "Where visitors to the area experience any ASB, we urge them to report this to Thames Valley Police on 101 or by using our online ASB reporting tool.

“This will aid the police and our Community Safety team in their work to try and tackle the issue."

The ASB reporting tool can be found at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-and-safety/safety-and-crime-in-your-community/anti-social-behaviour/report-anti-social-behaviour/contact-community-safety/