COLCHESTER Council plans to ban beggars from the town centre have been branded “blunt and uncompromising” by a senior clergyman.

The Rt Rev Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester, has written to Colchester Council in a bid to force a re-think on implementing a public space protection order.

The order would give council wardens and police officers the authority to force beggars to move on, issue an on-the-spot fine or take them to court.

Businesses who use too many A-boards could also be punished.

But Mr Morris has written to Pam Donnelly, chair of the Safer Colchester Partnership, urging the authority to abandon the plans.

In his letter, he said: “The PSPO is a blunt and uncompromising piece of legislation.

“It could also be argued while addressing the unwelcome incidents of persistent begging, the council may effectively outlaw certain types of street performance, including busking.

“I am inclined to agree with the campaign group Liberty who argue PSPOs are ‘too widely drawn, with vague definitions of what can be criminalised, and carry disproportionately punitive sanctions’.

“They add: ‘PSPOs simply fast-track vulnerable people into the criminal justice system rather than divert them away from it.’”

Mr Morris’ letter adds: “I do not believe the effect of the activities mentioned in the proposal document justifies the restrictions imposed by a PSPO notice.

“For example, persistent begging can be dealt with by the police acting under powers already prescribed in the Vagrancy Act 1824.

“Or, in the case of A- boards, it is already an offence to place A-boards on the footway by virtue of Section 28 of the Town and Police Clauses Act 1847 and, in addition to this, Colchester Council will have other means whereby restrictions can be placed on the erection of obstructive street furniture.

“If it is already possible to address the antisocial activities listed in the proposals using existing legislation, then such activities do not justify the restrictions imposed by a PSPO notice.”

The authority has consistently said it wanted to help homeless people and rough sleepers.

Mike Lilley (Lab), Colchester Council’s community safety boss, said the proposals have been drafted in response to “a lot” of complaints over antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

He added: “Beggars around cash machines have been intimidating people, drinkers and drug users have been abusing public spaces.

“The PSPO is not about banning people. It’s about giving greater legal powers to police and the authorities.”

To have a say, email safercolchester@colchester.gov.uk.