Ban on begging by cashpoints

BEGGARS will be banned from harassing shoppers for cash at ATM machines under police plans to introduce 30ft “exclusion zones” near cashpoints.

The proposal has been put forward to stop vagrants from “aggressive begging” at the machines in the Welsh city of Newport.

Conservative councillor Charles Ferris said: “Aggressive begging has got out of control and it’s putting people off going to the city centre.”

Aggressive begging is already banned in the area but to make it easier for the council and police to enforce, officers have proposed a ban on begging within 30ft cash machines.

Beggars who ignore the rules could be arrested for causing harassment, alarm or distress.

Kevin Ward, manager of Newport Now Business Improvement District, said shoppers were often “intimidated” when approached at ATM machines.

He said: “We do not believe a blanket ban on begging is the right way forward but we support specific bans within certain distances of cashpoints and payment machines. These are places where many people feel intimidated of into giving money.” A public consultation found 70 per cent of people in Newport wanted a blanket ban on begging.

One shopkeeper, who asked not to be named, said local firms supported the ban. “It makes the area look bad and there’s a lot of problems associated with having them here. Sometimes you’ve got drunk or drugged-up guys having fights. Others just sit there and pester people for money,” he said.

“It means the area is less attractive to shoppers and so businesses lose money. We’re fed up.”

Newport City Council will consider the Public Space Protection Order at a future meeting.