A MOVE to prevent beggars travelling to the north of the county to 'prey on the generosity of kind-hearted shoppers' has had overwhelming support in Banbury, the council said.

Councillors have voted for the Public Space Protection Order to stop people pretending to be homeless and begging for money.

It is hoped the order will also tackle antisocial behaviour 'hotspots fuelled by drink and drugs'.

Cherwell District Council lead member for public protection Tony Ilott said: "The purpose of this order isn’t to punish people; it’s about making Banbury town centre a safe, welcome and pleasant area for everyone.

"People of all ages should be able to visit any part of the town at any time of the day without feeling intimidated, pressurised into giving money or at risk from the behaviour of others."

The approval follows a five-week public consultation in which 90 per cent of people supported plans to tackle antisocial drinking, 84 per cent to stop begging and 79 per cent tackling rough sleeping.

The order will be put in place for areas including the town centre, from Cherwell Drive to Castle Quay canalside to the north, Gatteridge Street and Britannia Road to the south.

Then to the east as far as Bridge Street Park and to the west People's Park.

Anyone caught breaching the order will be asked to move on or face a £100 fine or up to £1,000 if taken to court.

At the Cherwell District Council executive meeting on Monday, leader of the Labour party Sean Woodcock asked about the council's plans to support rough sleepers.

He said: "I am not surprised to see the response being so positive, given the feedback I have received and even walking through the street and seeing reports of these activities myself.

"The reason, probably, that rough sleeping received the lowest response of the three may be due to a concern for those vulnerable people who will be hit by a fine rather than be given the reassurance they need."

Mr Illot reassured councillors that the fine would be used as a last resort for rough sleepers.

He added: "We have people travelling into the area pretending to be homeless to prey on the generosity of kind hearted shoppers, and hotspots of antisocial behaviour fuelled by alcohol and drugs which put the public at risk through discarded needles, broken glass and drunken antics.

"None of this is acceptable and we don’t see why the majority of residents should suffer at the hands of the minority.

"It’s important to stress this order doesn’t come at the expense of our other services; it’s still of paramount importance to support and help those in genuine need and we will continue to work with our partners to do just that.

"But those who refuse will no longer be allowed to act in a manner that has a negative impact on the town or those who are trying to live, work or shop there."