CAMPAIGNERS have labelled plans to ban beggars from the town centre as “social cleansing”.

Council bosses have also been warned they risk moving the problem to other parts of the town.

Colchester Council has launched a two-week consultation on implementing a public spaces protection order, which would see beggars, drinkers and drug users banned.

The order would also see nuisance drivers and businesses using too many A-boards punished.

But homeless campaigners have said the council risks being accused of social cleansing by targeting vulnerable people without implementing any extra support.

Pete Hope, who runs GO4 enterprises, which works with homeless and rough sleepers on a daily basis across Colchester, said: “I can see the difficulty the council has but I do think it is social cleansing.

“I can see the dilemma in how to manage them, but I don’t think this is the answer.

“Without putting extra support in place, such as a social space for them or a network, I think they’re at risk of moving the problem somewhere else, maybe to New Town or even Highwoods, which isn’t solving anything.”

Under the order, if anyone is seen to be breaking the terms, they will first be asked to leave designated area, which takes in the town centre, Castle Park, Riverside Walk and the bottom of East Hill.

If they do not, an on-the-spot £100 fine will be issued. If the individual does not pay up, they will be prosecuted.

Mr Hope added: “My fear is this will just lead to more of them going to jail.

“One example I’ve had from Ipswich (where a PSPO is also in place) is from a man who came down to visit. He had spent about two weeks in jail after breaking the order.

“He said he planned to go back on the streets in Ipswich - that’s where his network is.

“So I really don’t think it will deter people.”

Leigh Wallis, mid and north Essex area manager for addiction charity Open Road added said she hoped outreach workers’ actions could stop the need for an order altogether.

She added: “From our perspective, we are doing what we can to support them and get them the help they need.

“Hopefully, ultimately that will reduce the need for the order.”

Council bosses say the proposals are in response to an increasing number of complaints being made to the authority and to the police.

Mike Lilley (Lab), Colchester Council’s portfolio holder for safer communities and licensing, insisted the council remains committed to helping those in need.

He added: “We have had lot of complaints about anti-social behaviour which has escalated in the last two months.

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

“We don’t want people begging on our streets.

“They should be engaging with the council and working with us to help re-home them.

“The PSPO is not about banning people. It’s about giving greater legal powers to police and the authorities.” To have a say on the plans, go email safercolchester@colchester.gov.uk.