Beggars to be issued with £100 fines by Poole council, sparking outrage

Policy is aimed at preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder, council says

Labour MP David Lammy called the policy 'cruel and pointless' (Reuters)

Beggars in the Dorset town of Poole will be issued with fines of £100, its council has said.

Despite heavy criticism Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) will be introduced from 16 April in a bid to “tackle anti-social and nuisance behaviours.”

Fines could also be issued to those found sleeping rough in car parks and doorways.

The policy, which also covers drinking alcohol and leaving unattended possessions in the street, is aimed at preventing and tackling anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder and protecting individuals and various communities from harm, the council said in a statement.

The initiative will be rolled out in the town centre, Holes Bay, Alexandra Park and the Ashley Road area.

Nearly 4,000 people have signed a petition protesting the measure which has been heavily criticised by local residents and the Bishop of Sherborne.

Labour MP David Lammy called the policy “cruel and pointless.”

“Fining people who are homeless and sleeping on the street is one of the most cruel and pointless policies I have ever seen,” he wrote on Twitter. “Why criminalise people for being poor and vulnerable? We need to focus on the support and housing services that homeless people need.”

But Poole councillor Karen Rampton said they wanted the town "to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone who lives, works or visits".

She added: "We are aware of the increase in anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre and Holes Bay areas and the PSPO is a tool we can use, amongst others, to tackle this behaviour. The PSPO will not be used to target any specific group such as those people sleeping rough.

She added: “The council proactively works with individuals to encourage them to use the full range of support available from the council and local charities. Whether this is working with individuals who have a problem with drugs or alcohol, supporting individuals into housing, offering a hot meal and healthcare or providing intensive daily support to enable an individual to sustain a tenancy, we will continue to engage and support wherever possible our most vulnerable members of our community.”