A “CRUEL” attempt to impose a last-minute blanket ban on begging in Newport city centre was foiled during a heated council debate.

Conservative councillors thought proposed exclusion zones within 10 metres of cashpoints did not go far enough to tackle “aggressive” or “intimidating” begging.

The restriction, which forms part of a revised public spaces protection order (PSPO), was challenged by Councillor Matthew Evans, at a full council meeting last night.

“This is certainly not an attack on the homeless and I believe they need our support and assistance,” said the leader of the opposition.

“This is about ensuring beggars are taken off the streets and giving help and support.

“If you support the 10-metre rule, you’ll have the same problems we have now.

“It’s incredible difficult to enforce.”

Cllr Evans claimed to have heard that a beggar within the city centre earns more than £100 a day while “driving a Mercedes”.

The amended restriction was supported by Conservative councillor David Fouweather, who said the 10-metre exclusion zone was “unlikely to work”.

The former mayor also called for the council “not to pander to the wishy washy liberal elite” and support “frightened” citizens who stay away from a city centre which is soon to benefit from investment at Newport Market.

But the amendment brought anger from across the chamber as a blanket ban had previously been dismissed by an overview scrutiny committee, of which Cllr Evans is a member.

Councillor Debbie Wilcox, leader of the council, described such a ban as “cruel”, adding: “If someone is begging for money it’s not aggressive, it’s a plea for compassion.”

Cllr Wilcox’ deputy, Councillor Mark Whitcutt, believed that such a ban could expose the council to a human rights challenge from the High Court.

In a passionate speech, Labour councillor Debbie Harvey added: “Nobody wakes up and thinks, ‘I’m going to be an alcoholic, or let’s be a drug addict’.”

Newport Independents councillor Chris Evans also criticised the amendment for using the recently-established ‘Street SupPORT’ scheme, which diverts on-street donations to homelessness charities, as an “excuse to bring in a begging ban”.

But while summarising the amendment, Tory Cllr Evans asked: “Can you tell me any authority using the 10-metre rule which is a success?”

He added: “This amendment should help the needy, and at the same time should help the residents of the city who desperately need our support.”

The amendment was eventually defeated, and the revised PSPO originally brought before the council approved following a lengthy debate.

Other changes included in the order, which will run until 2021, include revised restrictions on walking dogs on leads, and a ban on the use or sale of intoxicating or psychoactive substances in the city centre.

Groups or individuals causing anti-social behaviour acting in an anti-social manner will also be asked to disperse from the area.