A NEW policy proposal which could see rough sleepers banned from the centre of Newport has been branded “a social cleansing exercise."

Newport City Council’s proposed and controversial public spaces protection order was discussed at a meeting of the authority’s Street Scene, Regeneration and Safety Scrutiny Committee yesterday where members heard concerns it would unfairly penalise vulnerable people.

The plan is intended to improve the city centre as a place to live, work, and visit by banning activities including street drinking, begging and – most controversially – rough sleeping.

Labour member Cllr Jane Mudd told the meeting she was concerned the order would have the effect of criminalising vulnerable people rather than tackling anti-social behaviour.

“The solution to this perceived problem will not be found in a social cleansing exercise,” she said.

“As an authority we need to continue to work with our partners to ensure that we provide services and support for the most vulnerable in society. We do, after all aspire to be a caring city.

“We do not need to introduce further legislative measures that would be difficult to enforce and that would criminalise some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

The order specifically states it does not extend to people who are genuinely homeless, but only those who have the option of somewhere to stay, but have refused help.

Inspector Richard Blakemore of Gwent Police’s central Newport policing team also attended yesterday’s meeting, where he said he hoped the order would help him and his colleagues tackle those causing anti-social behaviour, such as leaving needles in the street.

“We are not looking to criminalise people for rough sleeping,” he said. “That clearly isn’t the answer.

“The issue for the police and the local authority is when these people’s lifestyles become wholly unacceptable to everyone.”

Members agreed to carry this part of the policy forward on the understanding it gave police discretion to take action when they felt it was appropriate.

They also approved elements of the plan banning street drinking, begging – not including licensed charity collectors – dogs not being kept on leads, fly posting and so-called ‘chuggers’ asking people to sign up for regular charitable donations.

But they decided not to carry forward the recommendation to ban handing out leaflets – although the Business Improvement District is being asked to look at the issue – or A-boards from the city centre’s streets.

It will now be sent for approval or otherwise by the full council at a date to be confirmed.

To view the full draft order visit www.newport.gov.uk