MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Work crews from the Federal Correctional Institute in Morgantown will soon begin tearing down campsites built and used by the homeless along the Monongahela River banks.

City public works supervisor Kenny Holloway says the mild winter allowed the campsites to stay active through the winter, and warm weather is letting him start the dismantling earlier than usual.

Holloway says the cleanup is for the health, welfare and quality of life of Morgantown residents.

The first camps will be dismantled at 8 a.m. Friday behind Mountaineer Court and behind Papa John's Pizza. Police will oversee the prisoners as they haul out trash, mattresses, tents and other makeshift shelters.

Both locations are accessible from the Caperton Rail Trail.