PROTESTERS have called for beggars to be given a home rather than being criminalised.

Dozens gathered outside Brighton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday as m embers of the homeless community appeared inside on begging charges.

The rally was organised by Love Activists Brighton.

A spokeswoman for the group, who only gave her name as Ree, said: "The reaction has been really positive and everyone's honking their horns in support of not criminalising homeless people.

"Vulnerable people in our city need to be given a home and not criminalised."

According to organisers, the protest saw more than 200 people throughout the afternoon.

They claim homeless people are being discriminated against under two acts of Parliament used to address antisocial behaviour and vagrancy.

Ree added: "Begging is asking somebody for help because the system has failed them. They are being discriminated against and exploited."

The protest came as a petition looking for "solution based proposals to end homelessness" gathers steam.

It aims to highlight seven points of consideration.

The group said every homeless person is vulnerable and should therefore be considered a priority.

Members also claim the Housing First model should be expanded to offer housing for all the city's homeless people.

The group has also urged the authorities, amid plunging temperatures, to activate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol and, within it, an extended winter provision.

Love Activists Brighton want to see emergency shelters opened every night, over the winter and beyond.

Former mayor Bill Randall, who also led on housing as a councillor, previously told The Argus: "In my view, homelessness and housing is the single biggest problem facing our city today.

"There's not enough social housing and private rental rates are spiralling out of control."

He added that despite 33 groups in Brighton and Hove trying to tackle homelessness, the situation did "not leave much room for optimism".

To sign the petition visit  https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-criminalising-homelessness-and-begging-now.