A HOMELESS man has set up his own 'bedsit' outside a bank in Taunton town centre, complete with pictures hanging on the wall.
Simon Summerhayes sleeps in a sleeping bag on a camp bed and has stored all his possessions, including clothes, CDs and an umbrella to the side of the main entrance to Lloyds Bank, in Fore Street.
He has even hung up two signs saying Home Sweet Home and Home is Where the Heart Is and keeps the spot tidy by packing up his belongings every morning.
"I keep all my stuff here and sleep here," said Mr Summerhayes, aged 33, who used to run his own mobile DJ business.
"I set up home here about five months ago and make sure it's clear so people don't trip up.
"I'd rather not be here, but I can't get a home anywhere.
"I used to have a flat for almost ten years, but I lost it when I was sent to prison for not paying fines and breaching a community order and I've been homeless ever since."
Mr Summerhayes, who was born and bred in Taunton, said a few people have "started" on him late at night and he needed stitches in his face after one attack.
"But generally if you stand up for yourself, nine times out of ten they'll walk away," he added.
"I'm under shelter here, so I don't get wet.
"I've been homeless a few times and lived in a tent when it was snowing, so I'm used to the cold and not worried about that.
"I've got an aunt and uncle in the area, but they've got their own kids and I don't want to impose on them.
"I've got other family scattered around, but they've all got their own lives."
Mr Summerhayes lived for a while in a static caravan in Obridge until it was washed away down the river following heavy rainfall early last year.
He is checked up on by staff from Taunton Association for the Homeless - a spokeswoman said: "We have an outreach team who work alongside The Open Door to provide support for those who find themselves rough sleeping in the area.
"The support includes ensuring they are safe and well and that they're aware of the services that they can access to help them."