BASINGSTOKE train station has come under fire for failing to acknowledge the needs of homeless people, with regard to its platform seating.

One Twitter user, who was passing through the station on their way from London to Portsmouth, posted a picture of the sheltered platform benches, currently cordoned off, with the caption: “Very disappointed to see Basingstoke train station invest in anti-homeless shelters. A travesty.”

Speaking to the Gazette, they added: “I was just so appalled. Homeless and those struggling with addiction need support, that is where money should go to, not these inhumane things that are not just incredibly uncomfortable for passengers but designed especially so that the homeless cannot lay down.”

They also tagged Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in the tweet, who responded to deny any association with the move.

It said: “This is not part of any work the council or Social Inclusion Partnership is involved in which focuses on recovery and bringing/keeping people in.

“We would advise you contact Network Rail. If you are concerned about someone rough sleeping please contact @Tell_StreetLink.”

It comes a year after a Basingstoke shopping centre received criticism for putting measures in place to allegedly reduce “professional begging”.

Bosses at Chineham District Centre came under fire after installing pebbles on the ground around the building, with the move described as 'cruel' and 'unnecessary' from residents who said it would harm genuinely homeless people.

But Tellon Capital, the owners of Chineham District Centre where the stones were been fitted, has defended the decision - arguing it is important to combat professional begging.

A spokesperson for South Western Railway, which manages Basingstoke station, said: "While passenger numbers are low, we have been investing in enhancing the services we offer in readiness for the return of more customers in the coming months.

“As part of this, we have invested in 40 new waiting shelters across the network – all of which are within the stations for travelling members of the public. These will help to improve customer experience and boost performance.

“We have invested in these shelters – which are similar to those found right across the railway – solely to improve the service that we offer our customers.

“This new waiting shelter at Basingstoke station is in the final stages of installation, which is why a fence is currently preventing customers from using it."