A HOMELESS man who claims to have been living rough on an Oxford estate for more than two years, says he just wants to find a proper place to live.

Ferrol Steele, who lives in an overgrown alleyway off Sandy Lane in Blackbird Leys, told the Oxford Mail he just wanted a comfortable spot to sleep – and someone to look after him.

Mr Steele’s plight was first highlighted by the Oxford Mail in 2007 – when local people dubbed him ‘the bushman’. But, two years on, he is still homeless.

Last night Oxford City Council said it had tried to speak to the 49-year-old, but insisted it could not force individuals to accept offers of help.

Families living in the street are concerned about Mr Steele’s welfare – and his late-night singing which is keeping them awake. And they want him re-homed for good.

Speaking from his makeshift home, made up of a mattress and plastic sheets, Mr Steele, said he had been homeless since he was 21.

He said: “I would just like to live in a place where it is sociable and there is some back-up, and someone to take care of my needs and wants. My brother helps me out, but this place is not adequate.”

He apologised for keeping people awake at night saying: “I am sorry for that, but it makes me feel happy when I sing.”

A father-of-one, who asked not to be named, lives next to the alleyway where Mr Steele sleeps. He said: “He has got a fantastic singing voice and a fantastic memory for songs, but it is annoying, especially with old people around. In this day and age he should not be living like this. He has been on the streets for years. He has a right to live where he wants, but this is not the ideal place for him.”

One pensioner added: “I want someone to do something. It has been going on for too long. And his singing is terrible.”

Two years ago, Mr Steele’s sister, Sedrene Steele, said her family had been asking for her brother to be treated for mental illness, but she claimed no-one had listened.

City councillor Val Smith said: “It is fairly obvious that Ferrol needs some kind of supported housing – he can’t manage on his own.

“I also care about the residents and what they have to put up with. Tolerant though they are having someone living rough at the bottom of your garden is beyond the call and needs to be resolved very soon.”

A city council spokesman said: “We are sympathetic to the residents and continue to monitor the individual concerned and try to engage with him. However, if individuals refuse to accept the services we offer then we cannot compel them to do so.”