AN EAST Hull woman has been banned from begging anywhere in the city after causing a nuisance. Ann Marie Rigg, 43, of east Hull, has been given a two-year antisocial behaviour order (Asbo), which also prohibits her from entering parts of Holderness Road.
Shopkeepers complained she had refused to move on when asked, she had sworn at and harassed customers and she had been abusive to staff at shops around the Holderness Road area.
Councillor John Hewitt, Hull City Council's portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, said: "We want Hull to be a safe and pleasant place for everyone, so it is always disappointing when a minority of people choose to act in a manner that is distressing to others."
Ms Rigg was issued the Asbo for persistently begging within the Holderness Road area by Hull Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 10.
During regular discussions with shop owners to improve the safety of the area, Hull City Council's neighbourhood team and the riverside neighbourhood policing team learned the full extent of her begging.
Ms Rigg was told by officers from both teams that formal action would be taken to prevent her from begging and causing a nuisance unless she stopped causing distress.
However, she ignored the warning, forcing the council and police to instigate legal proceedings against her.
The teams approached retailers, who gave evidence and statements confirming the extent of the nuisance Ms Rigg was causing.
This helped Hull City Council to successfully bring the matter before the court and the Asbo is now in place.
Justine Mortimer, neighbourhood nuisance team manager for the council, said: "This shows our commitment to deal with antisocial behaviour.
"We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will take action to protect communities and the people within them."
Should Ms Rigg breach the order, she faces arrest and possible imprisonment.
Anyone witnessing a breach of the order should call Humberside Police on 101.
To report antisocial behaviour in your area, call the Neighbourhood Nuisance Team on 01482 300300.
You can also visit www.hullcc.gov.uk and report it via the community safety section of Hull City Council's website.
