Charles Ferris, a Conservative Councillor said: “Aggressive begging has got out of control and it’s putting people off going to the city centre.”
Newport’s City Council already bans aggressive begging in its Public Space Protection Order, introduced in 2015, which says: “Begging in a manner which is aggressive or intimidating, or which harasses members of the public.”
However, the boundary would be a new idea and could see beggars get arrested if they disobey the rule.
Just 61 responses to the idea resulted in a 70 percent vote in favour of a blanket ban on begging in a public consultation.
According to Wales online, Chris Evans, an Independent Councillor said: “When you move these vulnerable people from the cash point, where are they going to go? It’s pointless. We’re talking about people, kids in some instances.”
Kevin Ward, manager of the Newport Now Business Improvement District, added: “We don’t believe a blanket ban is the right way forward.
“The PSPO shouldn’t be used as a blunt instrument against the most vulnerable in our society.”
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