A CHARITY worker has openly invited Poole councillors to join him on the streets of the town to fully understand the homelessness situation.

The implementation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which bans begging in the town centre and Holes Bay has caused controversy with politicians, church officials and members of the public speaking out.

Borough of Poole cabinet members approved the amended order despite a significant public backlash.

Cllr Karen Rampton said the order would not be used to target individual groups such as rough sleepers.

However David Wood, of Help 4 Homeless Veterans, has said he was disappointed and disgusted at the decision having sat through the meeting at the Civic Centre and listened to the discussions.

“How are they going to be able to tell the difference between a professional beggar and a homeless person,” he said.

“Do they have any intelligence on who is homeless and if they do how are they going to help them?

“I couldn’t believe the way they were talking about the homeless.

“I challenge any of Poole’s councillors to come and spend a night on the street with myself.”

Criticism of the proposal has not been limited to the conurbation.

Labour MP David Lammy said on Twitter: “Fining people who are homeless and sleeping on the street is one of the most cruel and pointless policies I have ever seen.

“Why criminalise people for being poor and vulnerable? We need to focus on the support and housing services that homeless people need.”

Borough of Poole says it recognises that homelessness has increased in recent years and is committed to offering help to those who need it.

The Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne, who has been outspoken with concerns about the impact the order will have on rough sleepers said the approval of the order was disappointing.

“I believe there are many other issues the council need to look at before this,” she said.

“It is interesting how for a number of councils this approach hasn’t worked and they have then decided to not continue with it.”

Following the approval from cabinet, the order will be implemented from Monday, April 16. The council says the order is required to tackle antisocial and nuisance behaviours. It is claimed the PSPO will make the town centre a safer place.