The Dawn Centre on Conduit Street near the city's train station opened to homeless people earlier this month.

But already residents have said it is leading to gangs forming in the area.

A spokesman for the city council said it is aware of problems in the area but said if issues are raised, staff make sure they take action.

He added that the centre is one of the first of its kind in the country and local people should try to be proud of it.

Health carers

Chrissy Gaver, landlady of the Jolly Miller pub on Conduit Street, said she has suffered two cracked windows and verbal abuse from some people staying at the centre.

She stressed a need for more cohesion between nearby residents and the shelter.

"It would be nice to see the Dawn Centre working with the community and the community with the Dawn Centre," she said.

"But at the moment it seems like it's the residents against the community, and it shouldn't be like that. It's here to stay, we're here to stay."

The 42-room complex, which operates 24 hours a day, provides homeless people with counselling, life skills and educational workshops.