A beauty spot despoiled by rubbish has been branded "disgraceful" by people who use the area next to the River Thames.

Land between Abingdon Bridge and Abingdon Lock, opposite the Abbey Grounds in the town, a popular place for dog walking, has also been inhabited for the past year by a homeless man.

It has become a fly-tipping spot with mattresses and metal left in fields flanked by the River Thames.

Dominic Matterson, of East St Helen Street, wrote to Abingdon Town Council, the Vale of White Horse District Council and Oxfordshire County Council, but said nothing had been done.

Mr Matterson only received a reply from the town council, informing him that it is not responsible for the site.

The 43-year-old said: "It's disgraceful. Not only is it a picnic area, but it's been like this for ages, weeks and months.

"It's a conservation site used by wildlife groups and there is this field with masses of litter in it, and the point is that nobody has done anything about it.

"What about the environment? It's a natural beauty spot here in the town and they are happy to leave it like this month after month, year after year.

"It isn't right and something needs to be done. People should be having picnics over Easter but they won't be as it's just too filthy."

The father-of-two added: "The tramp has been living in the corner for about a year.

"I've complained, not because I'm a mean-spirited so-and-so, but on the grounds that I've a 14-year-old son who takes the dog out and it's a little bit intimidating for him.

"My dog could tread on a bit of metal and hurt her paw."

Stephen Roberts, of Borough Walk, has also appealed to the authorities to clean up the mess.

He said the area had previously been cleared up, taking four people all day to do it.

He said: "It's become a complete tip again with plastic bags, electric kettles and buggies."

Gavin Walton, a spokesman for the district council, said: "We're aware of the situation and are currently investigating it."

Toby Shergold, spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said the island was split between the Abingdon and Wallingford neighbourhood teams.

He said: "The Abingdon team say they are not aware of any problems with a tramp or homeless person on the island."

No-one from the Wallingford team was available for comment at the time of going to press.

Police have no specific powers to move on a homeless man unless there has been criminal damage or antisocial behaviour.

Mr Shergold said: "What we would usually do is refer homeless people to the appropriate agencies for care and support."