Jamie Rawlings, 17 sitting on the canopy over the main entrance of Maidstone's former library with Roxy Acott, 19, looking on

by Angela Cole and Katie Palmer

Squatters evicted from the former Maidstone library have moved – straight into another town centre building.

A dawn raid saw the inhabitants of the St Faiths Street building, who had been ensconced for three weeks, removed from the site.

But the group, who had settled in enough to begin growing vegetables on site, have now set up home in the former NatWest building in Bank Street (pictured right) instead.

It is understood owner RBS has begun moves to evict them once more.

Police also arrested five people trying to enter the Stone Court Hotel in Lower Stone Street, although they were later released without charge.

Concern over the growing number of squatters and the town centre's "street population" of rough sleepers, homeless people and beggars, was expressed at a recent night-time economy forum meeting in the town.

Town centre sergeant John Marshall said: "We would urge all landlords and shop owners to make sure any empty premises are secure."

Kent County Council estate manager Mark Cheverton said a distinction should be made between "lifestyle squatters", who unlawfully trespass, and those genuinely homeless.

The annual "rough sleepers" survey across Maidstone borough found there were 19 people officially sleeping rough, although it is believed numbers have since gone up.

Mike FitzGerald, trustee of the Maidstone Day Centre in Knightrider Street, said: "Moving people on doesn't solve it – what we want is to find them somewhere to live. We are concerned about people who are coming in to the town because they believe begging is profitable."

Couple Richard Bacon and Amy-Louise Baker are among those who have been sleeping rough in the town centre.

Mr Bacon, who is originally from Scotland, said: "We've been to the day centre, but there is nowhere to go at night. There needs to be a night shelter in Maidstone."

Police urged members to report any incidences of begging in the town, as it was an offence.