A LEASE is set to be signed which will see a woodland beauty spot in Devizes which has become home to rough sleepers cleared and turned into a haven for walkers and picnickers.

Years of negotiating between Devizes Town Council and land owners the Merchant Venturers has finally to come to an end and will allow Newlands and Belvedere Wood to become a place for families to enjoy.

Deputy town clerk Simon Fisher said: "It has taken a lot of time to get to this stage but we are finally ready to sign the lease. It will mean that land can be cleared and footpaths signposted.

"It a a beautiful area and very close to the town and Quakers Walk. We already have Drews Pond on the other side of the town which is a wonderful asset and this could become something similar."

The town council has voted to take on a ten-year lease which will be charged at a peppercorn rent and the landlords will be responsible for a clean-up before the handover takes place.

Volunteers from Wiltshire Council-owned activity centre Braeside in Devizes are set to help with the management of the woods and Devizes Area Board is also likely to be supportive.

Mr Fisher said that by taking over the woodland in the winter months the council plans to have control of the area before the woods begin to be used by rough sleepers. He said: "The woods tend to become popular during the spring and summer months and the fact that there is a community there can attract others from outside Devizes so the problem becomes bigger and bigger."

He added that the town council was working with the charity Devizes Opendoor to find ways to support people from Devizes who were homeless. A well-supported public meeting held earlier this year explored a number of options but as yet there are no plans to open a hostel.

The charity is also to expand its drop-in sessions from three days a week to four at St John's parish rooms. Organiser John Saunders said: "The new session will offer light refreshments rather than a meal along with social activities, support and friendship. This is likely to be on Thursday afternoons from 2-4pm."

At the public meeting one rough sleeper said: "I got in with the wrong people when I was young and fell out with my mum.

"Back then I probably didn't want to be helped but now all I want to do is to find somewhere to live. It isn't too bad in the summer but the winter is terrible."

Anyone who can help Opendoor should contact Mr Saunders on 07828 041152.