RESIDENTS have slammed the new bollard coverings that warn against aggressive begging in the city.

The signs have popped across the city centre as part of the Public Space Protection Order.

Some residents say the artwork on the coverings are 'divisive' and 'Orwellian'. Others said it made the city look like it was 'unsafe' and 'unwelcoming.'

A spokesman for the city council said: “The PSPO has been introduced after an extensive public consultation, which attracted more than 2,000 responses.

"The Order aims to protect vulnerable residents and ensure a safe and pleasant environment for everyone who visits, by introducing new measures to discourage the intentional feeding of gulls, aggressive begging, and dangerous cycling and skateboarding in the city centre.

“Councils have to make sure residents and visitors are aware of a new PSPO being introduced and of the areas it covers. These bollard covers are an important part of that and will be only be in place for a short period.

“We worked closely with partners including the Worcester Cares rough sleeper support affiliation and West Mercia Police regarding the terms and implementation of the Order.

“People found to be begging aggressively will be offered help and support – a fine would only be imposed if they repeatedly refuse to engage with homeless services.”

CEO of St Paul's Hostel, Jonathan Sutton added: "There will be differing opinions on the art work but it is trying to communicate a complicated issue – begging.

"Nearly all of the people who beg, whether this is aggressively or not, on the streets of Worcester do so in order to buy illegal drugs, particularly crack cocaine and heroin and super-strength alcoholic beers and ciders. These drugs cause an extreme deterioration in people’s health and even death.

"This is not about demonising people who have addictions to drugs and alcohol. The PSPO legislation, used as a very last resort, is to help them get the help they need. "