NO fines for begging have been handed out to people in Poole following the introduction of new measures to tackle anti-social and nuisance behaviour in the town.

In April, a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) came into force across the town centre and Holes Bay area.

Poole council said new rules against begging and leaving belongings and baggage unattended would help make the area a safe and more welcoming place.

But the authority faced strong opposition from campaigners who claimed the PSPO targeted rough sleepers.

According to the council’s figures, 57 verbal warnings have been given so far, as well as 27 warning letters. Thirteen people have been ordered to leave an area.

A Borough of Poole spokesperson said: “Following engagement by the PSPO officer, four rough sleepers have been supported into accommodation.”

The PSPO also covers the ‘possession, supply or use of intoxicating substances’, and ‘behaviour likely to cause nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress to others’.

Initially the council planned to implement the order without discussing it at an open meeting. The first version of the PSPO included a direct ban on rough sleeping between certain hours, but this was removed from the amended order after lobbying from both the Liberal Democrats and Labour Party, as well as outcries from church and community groups.

Results from last year’s consultation on the PSPO showed the majority of respondents disagreed with the measure to ban rough sleeping.

When the order was implemented, Cllr Karen Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and communities, said Poole town centre, in particular the High Street, bus station, Dolphin Shopping Centre, and the quay, had the “highest levels of anti-social behaviour in the borough”.

PSPOs enable council officers to move people away from an area if their behaviour is anti-social. Fixed penalty fines of £100 can be issued by police or council officers, leading to a fine of up to £1,000 for non-payment.

When the PSPO took effect in April, Poole council said a “soft approach to enforcement” would be used initially.

Councillor Rampton said: “Since the introduction of the town centre order, our approach is always to work positively and give advice to those individuals in the area, and encourage them to access help and support services where appropriate, working closely with our partner agencies and faith groups and avoid having to take enforcement action.

“In the majority of cases, this is having some successful outcomes such as finding accommodation, helping to access benefits, etc.

“A small number of individuals continue to ignore the advice, refusing support and persist with anti-social behaviour and this is being dealt with at this stage, using verbal and written warnings,” she added.