POLICE have issued 15 banning orders against professional beggars and others who are blighting Southend’s town centre and intimidating shoppers.

The criminal behaviour orders, which have been secured against 15 people, often have conditions to stop them from entering the High Street or to be seated in a position which is considered as begging.

To fulfill the order, the 15 people must also engage with support services to change their habits.

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, said that the measures were put in place following an increase in beggars moving to the town.

He said: “Along with rough sleeping, Southend has also seen an increase in people coming into the borough to prey on the goodwill of the general public by undertaking ‘professional street begging’. Whilst many people will be happy to give money to beggars, this behaviour can be intimidating and unwanted. It can be off-putting and is having an impact on the attractiveness of our High Street.

"Where such individuals are identified or where individuals have been offered support services but continue to cause issues, a stepped approach of intervention and enforcement is taken by the council and its partners such as Essex Police.   As part of the enforcement approach to address professional begging and other anti-social behavior in the High Street, 15 Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO’s) have already been secured against these individuals.

“In addition to exclusionary conditions, the council and its partners also try and encourage people to engage with support services to address their anti-social behaviour, such as Southend Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) in an effort to deal with their challenges and help turn their life around.

“These support aspects are also requirements of the CBO’s issued, all of which are only issued as a last resort and once all other prevention and intervention measures have failed.”

This week, Philip Miller, owner of Adventure Island, took to Twitter to hit out at the authority over the amount of beggars and rough sleepers.

He said: “Walked from the seafront to the Odeon twice this week. Passed beggars, homeless encampments and aggressive yobs.

“Should be renamed Southend Dire St. Time for action? Are Southend Council on holiday?”