THE Preston head of a homeless charity has urged Home Secretary David Blunkett to think twice about his plans to clamp down on begging.

In a White Paper published yesterday, Mr Blunkett laid out plans to hit out at anti-social behaviour, including begging.

But Danny Gallagher, project manager for Emmaus, a charity helping Preston's homeless by giving them a job, said David Blunkett should be careful.

Mr Gallagher said: "It isn't working positively towards helping those vulnerable people at the end of the day.

"What is he defining as a beggar? Is it someone that has a home that gets on the street and begs anyway. Just scamming to get money? This is a grey area."

Mr Blunkett laid out his ideas for on-the-spot fines for harassment or being drunk and disorderly; fixed penalty notices for criminal damage; and giving beggars criminal records.

But Mr Gallagher, who is also a Preston councillor for the Larches Ward, said more thought should be given to the plans.

He said: "Why is he stereotyping someone. Anyone can become homeless at the end of the day. Thirty per cent of the homeless are ex-service people who can't cope with life outside the Forces. Are they beggars after serving their country?

"The one thing I don't want the Government to do is target vulnerable people. They are the ones who haven't got a say."

And Mr Gallagher said even the charity's plans for a community to house 20 to 25 homeless in the Preston area were not a complete solution.

He added: "We are not a solution to homelessness. The homeless have to sign off benefit and work a 30 hour week to the best of their ability."

PNE boss Craig Brown and several players are joining a charity walk along the Ribble Link canal to raise money for the charity on April 6. Mr Brown said: "Their work is very worthwhile."