SHOPPING centre bosses have come under fire after installing pebbles to allegedly crack down on professional beggars.

The move has been described as 'cruel' and 'unnecessary' from residents say it will harm genuinely homeless people. 

But Tellon Capital, the owners of Chineham District Centre where the stones were been fitted, has defended the decision - arguing it is important to combat professional begging.

The shopping centre's rating on Facebook has plummeted to one out of five stars as furious people have left comments of condemnation. 

Matt Donaldson wrote: "(Chineham District Centre) spent money on pebbles to stop homeless people taking shelter, what a waste and a cruel action. Money could have been spent better elsewhere. Absolutely disgusting behaviour."

While Becca Harmon added: "Awful to see the new measures in place to prevent homeless people seeking shelter by laying down pebbles and during winter. Poor move, very heartless."

And another said: "I am very sad and angry to see the "new pebble" design to stop the homeless from sitting down. No need for it at all. I do use Chineham shopping centre alot and the people who sat there never caused any harm. Maybe try to help them rather than make it more difficult."

The owners have said the move is not to prevent homeless people from seeking shelter but to stop career beggars. 

In a statement, a spokesman for Tellon Captial who own the centre, said: "We take the issue of homelessness extremely seriously.

"Over the past year we have been working with other retail destinations across Basingstoke to promote the ‘Real Change’ scheme, run by the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion partnership, which provides assistance to homeless people.

"In addition to this, we have also worked with both the Julian House and May Place shelters to help source accommodation for those in need."

He continued: "The decision to install pebbles in the two undercover areas of the centre was taken to combat a professional begging scheme that has targeted Chineham District Centre.

"Such action has also been requested by numerous shoppers and businesses, who feel intimidated by the presence of these professional beggars they go about their daily business.

"We have been working with the police on this matter.

"If you are concerned about someone that may be homeless, we would urge you to contact Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or visit www.streetlink.org.uk to help them access the support that they need."

Cllr Paul Miller, who represents Chineham, said he had spent Thursday morning talking to the manager of the shopping centre and believed it would be a good practice to tackle the issue of professional begging.

He said: “This is not about punishing genuine people but people who are appealing to people’s better nature. Most people really want to help those who they think are in need however there has been evidence to show it has been taken advantage of.

“The police acknowledge that this is one of the best ways of getting round the problem.”

Shoppers at the facility on Thursday afternoon largely supported the move. One said: "It is a bit dramatic but I don't like seeing homeless people all over the place."

While Joy Pankhurst said: "I think it is a little bit drastic really. I have only noticed it today"

George Hockley said: "It's a good idea, I think. There is always someone sitting there."

While Mrs Mercer said: "I haven't really got an opinion. I don't like to see homeless people but it depends who it is. A lot of people are sleeping rough because of what is out of their control."