A FURNITURE shop owner says his store's reputation is being tarnished by a group of drunks "causing havoc".
Robert Smith, owner of Derby firm Mill Hill Corner, claims he has reported the problem to the police 60 times.
The 60-year-old, who has worked at the business since he was 16, believes residents from the Centenary House rehab centre in Mount Street, and other people, use the road outside his showroom as a toilet.
He said: "We have been suffering for quite a number of years but it seems to be getting worse.
"The problem is horrendous because they get drunk and then become more intoxicated as the day goes on.
"It becomes a pantomime. They have fights outside the business. It's really not pleasant at all. I have written to the police and the city council but the problem's still there, despite that.
"There's a nice grass area outside the showroom but they just sit there and drink."
Centenary House is a hostel providing accommodation and support for 32 single homeless men and women. It has operated for the past 20 years.
Mr Smith believes the problems spoil the area and could put off customers. He also believes that not all of the troublemakers are from the centre.
He said: "People who come to the shop are shocked. We get families here with children and they certainly do not want to see this. It's embarrassing.
"I'm an innocent businessman trying to make money. Before 9am, they start drinking strong cans of lager."
He said the problem had been going on for more than ten years.
He said: "I want to shake the people responsible. They can't just inflict this on residents and businesses.
"We have got enough problems without this. People feel intimidated and are less likely to come."
The centre is run in partnership by Riverside English Churches Housing Group, the city council and a range of agencies.
A spokesman for the housing group said: "The hostel caters for people with a range of complex issues and, although they are free to come and go at will, we work hard to ensure that they cause as few problems for our neighbours as possible.
"The area has been designated a no-drinking zone but it does have a history of attracting people from outside with drug, alcohol and other behavioural problems.
"We receive very few complaints about our own residents because our staff take responsibility for managing their behaviour and we've had no contact from either the police or the shop owner regarding these allegations."
A spokesman for the council said: "Following the receipt of a letter from Mr Smith, one of our officers is contacting him to arrange a meeting."
Derbyshire police confirmed they were aware of the problem.
