LOCALS have expressed shock after discovering an outdoor shelter next to a busy road believed to have been used by a homeless person.

The carefully made structure was on a grass verge on Aikenhead Road - just metres from a bus stop.

Residents in nearby Govanhill said they had seen a man using the wood and tarpaulin shelter as a place to sleep.

A homelessness charity said the situation was "completely unacceptable".

Adam Lang, Head of Communications and Policy at Shelter Scotland, said: “That someone should have to live in a makeshift shelter in the heart of one of the UK’s largest cities should be completely unacceptable in today’s Scotland, but, unfortunately it’s a sign of the times.

“Rough sleeping, while on the increase, is just the tip of the iceberg of homelessness, with thousands more having to stay for increased length of time in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing with friends and family or other forms of hidden homelessness.

“Homelessness in Scotland is still far from fixed and too many people are being denied their right to a home.”

Resident Kevin Rooney first noticed the shelter when out walking his dog. He went closer for a proper look at the structure when a man emerged from inside.

The 52-year-old said: “He just came out of it and casually walked away.

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“I was very impressed by how well built and how well insulated the shelter was and wanted to take a closer look.

“I think people have just not noticed it is there because of the trees but now it is coming into winter and the leaves are falling it is a lot easier to see.

“It is a shame that somebody needs to live like that in Glasgow in this day and age.

“It needs to be brought to people’s attention.”

The den, which has now been removed by Glasgow City Council, had a straw floor and was lined with tarpaulin before being covered by branches.

Blankets were inside.

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Kevin, a gardener, has particular sympathy for the resident of the shelter as he spent time sleeping rough until the age of 21.

He added: “I used to sleep rough for quite while so I know how it feels.

“I have had a house in Govanhill now for the past 30 years but that was a real slog to get somewhere to live.

“And it seems not much has changed in that time.

“I remember how it felt. But when you thought everyone has got it in for you, someone would appear with a packed lunch or some clothes and be worried you might be offended.

“There are some really, really good people out there and I really hope someone can help this man.”

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A spokesman for the Salvation Army, which provides a range of homelessness services in Glasgow, said: "As a church and charity we are concerned about any person who is sleeping rough, especially as the colder weather approaches.

"We would encourage people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home to seek help and advice from their local council."

A council spokeswoman said: “Having investigated and consulted with different departments of the council, officers visited the site and removed the timber structure.

“Given the potential for this highly combustible material to be used for bonfires, we felt it appropriate to remove it.”

Rough Sleeping & Vulnerable People is a Glasgow-based street support team. If members of the public have concerns about anyone sleeping rough they can call 0800 027 7466.