POLICE in Hereford have released a statement outlining the support they have provided to a homeless woman living on the city’s busiest roundabout.

The Hereford Times reported last week how Samantha Lamputt had pitched up on the grass alongside the A49 near Tesco and claimed she had not been offered emergency accommodation.

A spokesman for Herefordshire Council, however, said numerous attempts have been made each week over the past several months to provide help and support.

Now, the Safer Neighbourhood Team for Hereford have released a public statement which says they have been actively engaging with Ms Lamputt, 33, to try and help her over the last seven months.

The statement, posted on Facebook, said: “Everyone has rights. You have the right to live how you choose and you have the right to decline assistance if you wish.

"You can decline to claim benefits and decline assistance with accommodation, if you wish. This is a right everyone has and a right that this lady has chosen for herself.

“We have linked in with the Outreach Worker, whose last visit was July 13, where she offered the woman another option of temporary accommodation, this was declined.

“This type of offer has been made before and declined.

"She has been offered advice and assistance with benefits, this has too been declined.

“We would like to reassure the community that although this woman has chosen not to engage with us or the services available to her we will continue to check on her as her wellbeing and safety is paramount.

“We are aware that the location she is in is not ideal, for her or for road users.

"We urge road users to be observant whilst in the area of the roundabout to ensure their own safety and the safety of this woman.”

Anyone willing to discuss how the police work with partners to address issues relating to homelessness in Hereford should call the team on 101.