THE controversial decision to ban beggars from asking for money within 10 metres of cash points in Newport city centre has been widely welcomed by business owners.

Newport City Council agreed to the “exclusion zones”, which now form part of an existing public spaces protection order (PSPO) in the centre, last week.

And traders have responded positively since the move was enforced.

McCann’s Rock ‘n’ Ale Bar owner Amy Mccain said: “Everyday there are aggressive beggars coming to my pub.

“They harass some of my customers when they are outside relaxing.

“I have seen people get harassed near cash points too.

“You cannot allow that to happen and that is why I support the ban.”

Nick Portman, who is the owner of Baneswell Social Club, said he was also in favour of the decision.

“I feel threatened when I go to the bank by aggressive beggars,” he said.

“In fact, it puts people off going to the high street altogether.

“Lots of my customers will no longer go to the bank and avoid the city centre completely.

“The ban is a step in the right direction.”

Conservative councillors attempted to impose a last-minute blanket ban on begging in Newport city centre when the issue was discussed last week, but this was foiled during a heated council debate.

Annette Farmer, who owns X-Clusive Jewellery, said she would support an extension of the ban though.

“I think it needs to cover the whole of the city,” she said.

“Lots of people think the same thing as I do.

“I have been harassed by aggressive beggars at cashpoints - it is not pleasant.”

But Christopher Baldwin, of Black Bear Vintage, said he agreed a blanket ban was a step too far.

“I think that it is a much bigger issue than ‘banning’ begging,” he added.

“There is a notable lack of services available to those in need, meaning they have no choice but to beg.”

A public consultation on the public spaces protection order (PSPO) review saw 64 per cent of people say begging near cash machines was a common problem in the city centre.