DESPERATE homeless youngsters have set up a campsite in woods in Pitsea because they have nowhere else to go.

Autistic Scott McCarthy, 20, pitched his tent among the trees, off Ashlyns, nearly three weeks ago and was joined days later by Natalie Cobban, 19, and a third person, who does not wish to be named or photographed.

They all say Basildon Council told them they can not be rehoused.

So they have built their own community with two tents, one of which is suspended in the trees, a covered communal area and a fireplace.

But the council is threatening to move them on.

Scott, who grew up in Pitsea, said: "I don't have a plan of action. I will just stay here until I'm housed or they get a court order.

"I would say to anyone out there, don't rely on the council. They are a waste of time."

Scott has been homeless since splitting with his girlfriend a couple of months ago, but he can't go back to his mum's because there is not enough room.

Natalie, who is also autistic and originally from Nottingham, spent seven months sleeping on the couch in a friend's bedsit in Basildon before she was forced to move to the campsite.

She said: "I've had three assessments, but the council said it can't do anything.

"It is willing to put you up for a night in a bed and breakfast, but that is not really appropriate.

"I'm angry. We are having to fight to get anything. But we will keep on fighting."

The campsite is hidden from the road and a row of shops nearby.

The group has a fire going most nights to help them keep warm and heat food.

Scott also has the stress of looking for a new job.

He was fired on Tuesday for turning up late after spending the night in a police cell for possessing a knife he uses for cooking and eating.

He was not charged.

Scott also says he was taking a lot of time off work to try to find a place to rent.

He said: "On top of everything I now have to look for a new job.

"You think we would get extra help because we're autistic, but no-one seems to care.

"I walk round the estate and there are loads of empty places. I think there is a lot more the council could be doing for us."