A homeless man’s make-shift “shack” has been taken down by the council.

%image(15064710, type="article-full", alt="Concerns aired about homeless man living in a "shack" in Green Lane, Ilford. Picture: Ajay Nair")

It was removed on Wednesday afternoon following complaints from puzzled residents after the structure appeared in Green Lane, Ilford, at the junction with South Park Road, about two weeks ago.

Enforcement officers placed a notice on the construction – made of bricks and crates – on Friday, last week, to say it would be taken down.

On Wednesday, a sign on the structure read: “This stuff belongs to a homeless person, please don’t remove. Thanking you in anticipation.”

A Redbridge Council spokeswoman said: “A further inspection took place on Tuesday and the construction was removed on Wednesday afternoon as it was identified as an obstruction on the highway. This was in response to several complaints from residents about this issue.

%image(15064711, type="article-full", alt="Concerns aired about homeless man living in a "shack" in Green Lane, Ilford. Picture: Ajay Nair")

“We’re keen to offer support to the person involved and in between plans to remove the construction from the site, outreach workers visited to get more information and offer assistance, but no one was present.

“Although the person concerned was not there, steps are being taken to try and locate them so we can offer any support and advice that may be required.

“We would encourage anyone with concerns about their housing provision to contact us, so we can work closely with them to find the best possible solution as quickly as we can.”

The “shanty” house was attached to a car – filled with boxes and household items – and was believed to be used as storage.

Tony Hoad, of the South Park Users Group, said residents were “concerned”.

He said: “It shouldn’t be here – it’s a shanty shack on a main road in Ilford – it’s worrying.”

Ursula Standen, volunteer co-ordinator at the Welcome Centre in St Mary’s Road, Ilford, said: “The outreach workers have gone out to try and find him, but there’s been nobody there.

“He’s on our radar but he’s not one of our clients – he’s not somebody that’s known to us. It’s a question of somebody finding him.”

Have you seen the man? Email ajay.nair@archant.co.uk