A BOURNEMOUTH councillor has proposed painting a version of double yellow lines around areas such as cashpoints where people have reported issues with aggressive beggars.

Cllr Mike Filer came up with the idea in response to concerns raised by residents, particularly the elderly, who have been intimidated by people begging in the town.

He made the suggestion at a recent meeting of the East Cliff and Springbourne Residents’ Group, which he attended as ward councillor.

Although the idea of painting double yellow lines on sections of pavement to help enforce begging laws raised a few eyebrows at the meeting, Cllr Filer said he had already proposed the scheme to council officers.

Speaking to the Daily Echo on Monday, he said: “In cash points all over the town there are often beggars sitting very near. I sympathise with a lot of the elderly who become frightened to draw money when there are people begging nearby.

“I’ve suggested a system similar to double yellow lines to council officers. Whether it’s double yellow lines, or red lines, it doesn’t cost much to paint a line or a symbol to stop people sitting in that area and begging.

“A policeman could either then tell them to move on or make an arrest.

“When the councils merge in April, it’s something all three towns could look at.”

Cllr Filer added he was hopeful council officers would respond to his suggestion in the coming days.

In Poole, a Public Space Protection Order was introduced in April last year as part of the council’s aim to tackle begging and other anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

The controversial measure, which critics feared would target genuine rough sleepers, saw two people fined for begging in the first six months.

'They would have to enforce it'

Of Bournemouth town centre's seven outdoor cashpoints, only one man was seen begging near one yesterday lunchtime.

Two more men were seen begging (with a cup or their hand out). There were around six people who could have been homeless who were not begging or causing any nuisance. The number of beggars was down on earlier this week.

One man, called George, who said he lived on the West Cliff, was approached by one beggar after he withdrew cash in Commercial Road. He said he didn’t think the ‘yellow lines’ idea would work because: “They would have to enforce it and I think that’s the problem. You need to arrest the ones that need to be arrested.”

“There are a few I do talk to and give money to because they are ex-army and they have a lot of difficulties, but not the rest.”

Three holidaymakers from the West Midlands said they hadn’t encountered any begging problems during their visit.

And a woman called Bridie, who said she lived in Bournemouth, said the beggars ‘made me feel bad’ but she also didn’t know if the yellow lines would help. “Wouldn’t they just ignore them?”