WORK to remove clauses from the controversial “begging ban” in Poole has begun.

BCP Council has launched a consultation over changes to the public space protection order (PSPO) and a shift to a similar approach to anti-social behaviour to that used in Bournemouth.

The move followed a High Court legal challenge launched by Sarah Ward who said they unlawfully targeted rough sleepers.

The PSPO, which covers Poole town centre and the Holes Bay area, was introduced by Poole council in 2018 in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.

But it attracted strong opposition, particularly due to clauses prohibiting begging, “loitering” in a public place with a receptacle to collect money, leaving belongings unattended and blocking shop doorways.

Ahead of a planned High Court hearing in March, the council’s cabinet agreed to remove these elements.

Instead it agreed to introduce community safety accreditation scheme (csas) officers to Poole and move towards the approach used in Bournemouth.

A formal consultation has now been launched over the changes.

“We’ve seen in Bournemouth town centre that the uniformed presence both deters behaviours and allows officers to collate evidence for formal anti-social behaviour actions,” the consultation document says.

“Officers are also able to issue formal anti-social behaviour warnings where behaviour is persistent and detrimental.

“The approach of being assertive, persistent and consistent in challenging behaviours, whilst supporting individuals is seen as key to the progress being made.”

It says this would mean the controversial PSPO clauses would no longer be needed.

Councillor Lewis Allison, cabinet member communities, said the change would introduce a “consistent” and “effective” strategy across both towns.

“We’ve seen from the operation of csas in Bournemouth town centre that this approach is effective at addressing harmful behaviours of a few individuals through the combination of support and enforcement.

“We want to ensure vulnerable people on the street are accessing the support they need and only if an individual is persistently causing anti-social behaviour will enforcement be used.”

The consultation will run until August 9.

Following this, a full report will be produced and given to the council’s cabinet for a final decision on any changes.