People in Nelson are standing behind a homeless man who won't leave his park bench

Late last year Nelson City Council passed a bylaw banning people from sleeping on public benches - but one man has been camping out night and day in front of the Nelson Provincial Museum.

In a statement, Council says they've made repeated attempts to work with the man and find him accommodation.

They say they've confiscated items that've been stopping others from using the bench - and will return them when he moves on.

But Council says other individuals are now joining the man and gathering at the site.