A SCHEME to tackle begging and rough sleeping in Bournemouth has been renewed by the council.

Over the past 12 months the authority has recruited additional staff to its outreach teams, run a 'Your Kindness Can Kill' poster campaign to warn the public off giving money, and cleared out bedding used by homeless people.

Also, Dorset Police has been using antisocial behaviour legislation to crack down on perpetrators in 'hot spot' areas, including the Lower Gardens, Bournemouth Station and Westover Road.

Councillor Robert Lawton, cabinet member for housing, said: "The approach we have taken so far includes a mix of offering support to prevent issues continuing, alongside enforcement work where needed.

"The prevalence of street antisocial behaviour is very difficult to measure because it changes almost hourly.

"The overall number of rough sleepers has remained fairly static over the last few months. We sometimes see an increase as the weather gets warmer, which we monitor closely."

Bournemouth council also has a 'local connection policy' for access to its services, which it has been promoting to dissuade homeless people coming from other areas.

Mark Hawkins, an outreach worker for the council's rough sleepers team, said the idea that beggars do not have access to benefits or accommodation was a "myth".

"The truth is that the majority of people are able to access benefits and even those who are not eligible to access assistance with housing from the council, are able to access advice and guidance through the CRI Bournemouth and Poole Rough Sleeper Team," he said.

"There is no legitimate reason for people to beg on the streets of Bournemouth."

However, John Coulston, chairman of Michael's House hostel in Boscombe, said: "It is all very well saying they can get help, but it is a bit more complicated than that.

"These people are desperate, many have mental health problems and there is no way of knowing what disasters they may have endured.

"Begging is not ideal, but it is better than stealing.

"I generally don't give money as I help in other ways, but if other people want to do so it is up to them. The contact with the public can be very important."

Mr Coulston said he believed the number of rough sleepers in the town had not changed for the past two decades.

More information can be found at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/kind.