CAMPAIGNERS are calling on Darlington’s council to justify plans to fine beggars, anti-social youths and street drinkers, saying law already exists to tackle such problems.

A petition has been launched by White Rose Darlington in opposition to controversial proposals to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in the town centre.

The order seeks to tackle concerns about anti-social behaviour by giving authorities remarkable powers to issue fines to people behaving in a manner deemed inappropriate.

It covers a large swathe of the town centre and would mean anyone begging, loitering, drinking in the street or using intimidating behaviour would risk criminal conviction and fines ranging from £100 fixed penalty notices to a potential £1,000 in court issued fines.

Last week, human rights group Liberty criticised the council for the ‘ludicrously broad’ draft order and warned it could criminalise the homeless and other vulnerable people.

Now, White Rose Darlington is urging people to join them in voicing concerns about the initiative by taking part in the council’s on-going consultation.

The chair of the organisation - which was established following MP Jo Cox’s murder in a bid to tackle hate crime and promote peace – said the order was pointless, given that legislation is already in place covering most of the issues addressed therein.

Peter Greenwood also said that the order risked further demonising homeless people, adding: “If beggars are causing a nuisance, they can already be arrested and if they are conning people, they can be prosecuted for fraud.

“They can be dealt with under the Vagrancy Act 1824, the Highways Act 1980 and the Public Order Act 1986 – these though, require the proof of guilt.

“Under PSPOs there is no defence allowed and no trial, just summary banishment.

“Many will not be able to pay the fines they automatically receive if they stray back into town and could end up in jail, for being hungry.

“We don’t need a new law which criminalises homeless people and increases hatred towards them, leaving the vulnerable and the poorest of the poor even more desperate.

“PSPOs move them out of public view and out of the public’s concern, and away from vital support services.

“They do nothing to address the underlying causes of rough sleeping but feed the growth of prejudice, hate crime and bigotry.

“It will legitimise the kind of bigotry that resulted in Middlesbrough man Michael Cash being spraypainted as he sat in the street this summer.”

A similar petition signed by 80,000 people and recently served on councillors in Hackney saw authorities there drop proposals to introduce PSPOs in the area.

Mr Greenwood is now hoping the Darlington petition, coupled with consultation feedback, achieves the same end.

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council recently defended the proposals, saying: ““A PSPO is not simply a blanket ban on certain activities in a certain area. Instead, it is a positive measure that enables the police and other designated officers to deal more effectively with disorder.

“We are currently inviting comments on the proposals and would encourage the group to share its views with us so that they can be taken on board along with those of others.”

  • To sign the petition, visit White Rose Darlington on Facebook for more information and to join the council’s consultation, visit darlington.gov.uk/consultations and submit comments before November 28.