LESS than two months after the closure of Marks & Spencer in Falmouth, the much-loved store has become an eyesore.

A homeless couple - believed to be the same people who occupied Edinburgh Woollen Mill's former premises last year - have set up camp in Market Street.

A Falmouth resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I'm incensed, it makes me so angry. If you go into town it's the topic of conversation at the moment.

"My daughter worked in M & S for 13 years until it closed. I used to love going into the shop and the cafe. I'm gutted that it now looks like this," she said.

The couple, who are well-known in the town, have laid down bedding and belongings in the recess of the shop front, which would afford them limited shelter from the elements.

Richard Gates, the town centre manager, said: "There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes in regard to this matter and I fully appreciate it does not appear so from a public perspective.

"It is important a resolution is found to improve this situation involving all key agencies."

The appearance of the town's main street is an ongoing cause for concern.

The resident added: "It's nearly Easter and we're going to get visitors here. When they see M & S like it is and also some parts of Church Street, they're going to think it's disgusting."

On the question of whether a new retailer is imminent for the former M & S site, Mr Gates added: "There is a lot of interest in the site which is encouraging, however this is always a lengthy process for a site that needs a lot of work and covers a large square footage."