A VISITOR from Asia has compared Taunton town centre to the Calais Jungle refugee camp in France that has been the scene of squalor and crime.

The woman, in a taxi accompanying her child to an independent school, was shocked at the number of homeless people with their belongings stacked up outside business premises in Fore Street.

The driver, Michael Richards, said the county town's image has nose-dived because of the anti-social behaviour associated with some rough sleepers.

But he feels more should be done to help them.

"There were five to ten homeless people who'd set up camp," said Mr Richards.

"The woman from Asia said it looked like the Calais Jungle. She's paying huge fees to give her child a British education, but that's what she took away from Taunton back to Asia.

"I brought an elderly lady I drive around regularly into town and she asked me to park up and do her shopping with her because she felt intimidated. I'm not saying she was in danger, but that's how it made her feel.

"It reflects on our town. Businesses pay astronomical rates to have stores in our town centre, but Taunton's going downhill, so why should they come here?

"It's going to have a detrimental effect on trade for the shops and my business because people will go to Wellington or Bridgwater to shop."

Mr Richards said he is not "calling these people out", but feels the problem is being ignored.

"It's horrible to see," he added. "I'd like to see them homed and rehabilitated off the streets.

"More should be done to help these people, to improve their lives."

Cllr Jane Warmington, Taunton Deane Borough Council's executive councillor for community leadership, said homelessness is a national issue with complex causes.

She added: "There is no easy or simple solution to the problem but TDBC is actively working with partners, particularly Avon and Somerset Police, Taunton Association for the Homeless and Open Door, to reduce rough sleeping.

"It also aims to address the associated problems such as anti-social behaviour through a range of measures, including legislation where appropriate and, if necessary, while ensuring that people are directed to the relevant agencies for ongoing support."

The council recently appointed a streetwise co-ordinator, Ian Laity, to work alongside its rough sleeping co-ordinator Clare Stuart and marketing and place manager Andrew Hopkins to address issues such as begging and anti-social behaviour.

Rosie Hather, from Taunton Association for the Homeless, said: "As a charity we're very aware and very concerned about the situation. "However, due to the vulnerability of the client, we're unable to comment on an individual circumstance."