A campaigner against criminalising rough sleepers and unauthorised buskers through a new city centre order is pleased those elements have been dropped but concerned bird feeders and beggars could still be targeted.

Busker Jonny Walker, founder of Keep Streets Live Campaign, set up a change.org petition against Cheshire West and Chester Council’s proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) backed by almost 16,000 people.

The Labour-controlled authority consulted on its plans, developed in partnership with police, in a move to combat anti-social behaviour with other proposed measures aimed at tackling legal highs, public urination and defecation and a controlled alcohol zone.

Plans to fine rough sleepers and unauthorised buskers now look set to be abandoned after a huge public backlash, concerns from civil rights group Liberty and a high profile demonstration led by campaigning comedian Mark Thomas.

Penniless beggar 'Nick' says homeless people should 'not be tarred with the same brush'

But a report going before Monday’s (November 23) Children and Families Policy and Performance Panel recommends further discussion on other proposed measures including targeting beggars and a ban on feeding birds, elements where public feedback was more mixed. Work is under way to develop a new code of practice for street entertainers.

Busker's view

Jonny said: “Cheshire West and Chester Council’s decision to remove busking and rough sleeping from the PSPO proposal is extremely welcome, as is their decision to convene a task force to develop a new code of practice for busking in the city.

“It is a matter of concern that proposals to criminalise bird feeding and begging are still under consideration, particularly because these plans could see some of the most destitute and vulnerable people in society facing fines of up to £1,000 as well as mandatory court charge of £150 fines they can’t possibly pay and that could lead to eventual imprisonment, which will cost an enormous amount of public money to enforce.

Jonny being pushed around Chester by left wing comedian Mark Thomas

“The police have an enormous range of existing powers that can be used to target people whose behaviour causes alarm, harassment and distress to other people. Instead of lobbying for new powers which could be used to criminalise vulnerable people, the police should concentrate their resources on those whose behaviour is causing genuine harm to others.”

A decision on whether to implement a PSPO is expected to be taken by Labour cabinet early in 2016.

Officers on patrol in Chester city centre on as part of Operation Centurion aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour

■ Cheshire Police has just revealed the results of a recent crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Chester, as part of Operation Centurion, which has seen five repeat offenders handed criminal behaviour orders. Begging, abusing the public and possessing a fake gun were among the offences.

What's your view on the PSPO changes from the council? Where do you stand? Let us know in the comments below