A TASK group has been set up in Devizes to help solve the problem of rough sleeping after the spotlight was put on the problem when homeless people caused outrage when they used a graveyard tomb to hold a barbecue.

Now the town council, church leaders, outreach workers and the police have come together to try and find a way to help the homeless but also keep them out of St John's churchyard.

Deputy town clerk Simon Fisher said: "We want people in the town to know that this is an issue we are taking seriously and we are looking at a number of different ways to make things better.

"There is no easy or quick answer as many of the needs of the rough sleepers are complex.

"We have held a meeting with the Rev Canon Paul Richardson from St John's and there have not been any recent problems in the churchyard."

After pictures of people using a grave to hold a barbecue were posted on social media in June there was an outcry and Mr Richardson was left shocked. He said at the time: "It is disgraceful that the graves of our local ancestors are being shown such disrespect.”

But those working with the homeless in Devizes, including John Saunders from the charity Devizes Opendoor, which runs regular drop-in sessions, fear the problem is not easily solved and could become worse as Belvedere Wood has just been cleared of rough sleepers. The town council has leased it from the Merchant Venturers and wants to turn the land into a place for walkers and picnics.

Mr Saunders said: "What we really need is a safe place close to the town where the rough sleepers can put up a tent and leave belongings and know they will be safe."

Opendoor is also hoping that by next year it will have moved forward with plans to open a hostel in Devizes.

Wiltshire Council assertive outreach worker Sarah Johnson said that she worked with homeless people to help them find accommodation and to get assistance with alcohol and drug dependency if needed and attended the Opendoor session on a Wednesday to give advice.

She said: "We have a multi-agency meetings every six weeks across the county specifically to discuss rough sleepers in the area and to share what support they have been given.

"Also, if members of the public are concerned about anyone they see who is rough sleeping they can contact STREETLINK and give as much information as they possibly can. These calls are then logged and disseminated across the county to workers, including me, for us to investigate the situation of the individual and to work with them in whatever way we can."

PC Teresa Herbert said that police patrols had been stepped up around the churchyard and officers were working with the councils and volunteers to help homeless people get help.