The homeless pods introduced at the rear of County Hall/Lys Kernow in Truro during the Covid pandemic are to close.

A Cornwall Council spokesperson said the 21 cabins “were always meant to be a temporary measure”, adding: “These units are now approaching the end of their useful life and we have taken the decision to close the facility.”

The council says it will offer alternative accommodation and continued support to all residents, and no one will return to the street to sleep rough.

The ‘Bunkabins’ – specially built portable cabin type structures kitted out with basic cooking and shower facilities for one person – were installed in 2021.

An inquest heard earlier this year how Ryan Staffiere, 42, died in one of the pods after taking a lethal overdose of illicit drugs. He was discovered lifeless by staff carrying out morning welfare checks on residents on February 11 last year.

Two years ago, drug paraphernalia including needles was found in a community orchard to the rear of the cabins. The spot, near the Newham Trail, had also been blighted by dumped rubbish, vomit and human faeces.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said a local neighbourhood officer had been working with site staff and partner agencies to resolve the issues raised by concerned residents and walkers. Tents were removed and waste contractor Biffa carried out a clean-up.

Plans for a similar site on the other side of Truro, near the Tregurra Park estate and Waitrose, were scrapped last year. Ten modular units were proposed for people aged 18 to 25 who would otherwise be threatened with homelessness. Cornwall Council confirmed in August it had decided not to proceed “after careful review”.

A homeless pod site opened in 2021 at Rosewarne long stay car park in Camborne was removed last September amid concerns about rising antisocial behaviour in the town.