A HOMELESS man who has lived at an Abingdon beauty spot for the past year, has been given his marching orders.

The Vale of White Horse District Council has ordered him to leave.

Last month, we reported that the man was living in the field along the banks of the River Thames between Abingdon Lock and Abingdon Bridge.

The site had also become a fly-tipping hot-spot, with mattresses and scrap metal left dumped.

Council spokesman Gavin Walton said: "Following complaints from members of the public, we have written to a man who appears to be living on council land at Rye Farm Meadow, in Abingdon, advising him to vacate the land.

"If he fails to do this, we will begin court proceedings against him.

"The council has offered housing advice and assistance to the man should he require it."

Many residents have complained to the council about the litter problem.

Dominic Matterson, of East St Helen Street, was concerned that his 14 and 11-year-old children, who take their dog Murphy for walks along the fields, were intimidated by the man's 'camp'.

He said he would also like to see the site cleaned up.