A petition to stop Wandsworth council from fining homeless people for begging has gained nearly 800 signatures.

The petition, started by Ruby Maclean from Wandsworth, is in response to a public space protection order proposed by the council to "control organised or aggressive begging and street drinking in Tooting".

Under the powers granted by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, councils were able to introduce PSPOs, allowing them to give rough sleepers spot fines of £100.

Ms Maclean, 24, who has been following the homelessness crisis closely, said: "I am from London originally and have gradually become more and more sickened by the treatment of homeless people in the capital.

"This particular PSPO that Wandsworth Council wants to impose is supposed to curb ‘anti-social behaviour’ like street drinking.

"But why do they have to include ‘begging’ as an anti-social behaviour?

"It might give rise to targeting people sleeping rough, which seems Draconian and unfair.

"Hackney council tried to do the same thing in 2015 but backed down after public outcry."

The council insists that "the proposals do not apply to homeless people".

Community services spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: "We have heard local people’s complaints about an increase in anti-social behaviour in this part of the borough.

"Imposing a PSPO will give our community safety team and the police more powers to do something about persistent anti-social behaviour that is damaging the quality of life of people living in the area."

Some comments under the petition:

"What homeless person has a hundred pounds? This is pushing people further into misery."

"It's inhuman to fine someone for being homeless. I'm sure given the option 99 per cent of them would rather go home to a nice warm bed at night!"

"Set up some hostels and mobile soup kitchens instead. Get people into training for basic jobs which help people back into society."

To sign the petition go here