COUNCILLORS were accused of attempting to “make homeless people criminals” as a proposed ban on begging was put on hold.

Members of West Dorset District Council’s (WDDC) full council argued as they were asked to pass a motion for a new Public Space Protection Order, which would restricttion on begging in Bridport and Dorchester town centres.

The order would mean people deemed “aggressively” begging on the street could be fined landed with a £100 fine.

Cllr Alan Thacker, the district council’s portfolio holder for community safety and access, said that aggressive begging was is carried out by people asking for money outside cash machines, or with signs and would not target “genuine buskers”. He said it could be a lifestyle choice.

However, some councillors hit out at the plan with some called the plan “insensitive, “inadequate”, and “poorly worded”.

Cllr Trevor Jones said: “This is extremely sensitive and controversial. One person’s deserving cause is another person’s threatening cause.

“If there are existing powers, why do we need to bring in new ones? Some will cheer but others will be savage in their criticism. It will stir up local emotions.”

Cllr Dave Rickard agreed. He said: “It is totally inadequate, very woolly, and would cause a huge amount of indiscretion.

“Begging could be seen as a failure of our social services. I don’t think we’re doing ourselves any favours by taking a sledge hammer to crack a nut.”

Cllr Rickard went on to say that in a survey carried out in Bridport, only 21 per cent of people think that begging is a problem in the area.

He added: “We don’t have that problem in Bridport at the moment. I have never been asked for money.”

Cllr Stella Jones said: “We want to particularly protect people who are actually homeless and short of money. Because it is so woolly, we could end up making homeless people criminals.”

Councillors agreed to removed the begging ban from the order, and agreed that the sent it back to the put it before the council’s overview and scrutiny discuss it further. committee as a separate item for further discussion.

The full council unanimously agreed to pass a ban on feeding seagulls in West Bay and Lyme Regis, and continue an order banning the consumption of alcohol in parts of Bridport, as part of the order.