Councillors and members of the public clashed over housing, shirts and long answers at full council on Tuesday, with shirts used for criticism and intimidation.

Campaigner Peter Burt was warned about intimidating behaviour by mayor councillor Deborah Edwards after confronting a councillor.

The incident happened after councillor Rob White, Reading Green Party leader, criticised Reading Borough Council (RBC) on homelessness and long answers.

Councillor Page, deputy leader, called Mr Burt’s behaviour “childish, puerile, completely unacceptable”.

He added: “Peter is an intelligent guy and he should not demean himself in such a way.

“It warrants someone being thrown out but that is the mayor’s choice. That is threatening and intimidating behaviour.

“Credit John, that he did not lamp him. He is a former prison guard.”

Cllr White questioned councillor John Ennis, lead member for housing, on targets for reducing rough sleeping numbers.

The sleeping rough count in Reading, 2017/18, rose to 31 from 22 in the previous year. Headcounts take place in November, annually.

The lead member for housing outlined the council’s zero tolerance policy to homelessness and explained that additional funding came in part way through the year and so a substantial reduction was likely in next year's count.

Cllr White said: “Would the lead councillor agree that it has taken him about six paragraphs and getting on for five minutes not to answer the question?

"If he wants to have another go, I was just after a number.”

Cllr Ennis replied: “A lot of us are interested in reducing homelessness. I am not sure you are. I think you want to cause mayhem and oppose everything.

“That was a pretty infantile answer back. We are attempting to work with national government and organisations like Launchpad and St Mungos.

“I think you should stop wearing silly t-shirts and start working with council staff who are working hard to try and reduce homelessness.”

At this point, Save Arthur Hill campaigner Peter Burt walked over to the lead member for housing, stood up close to the seated councillor and pulled up his jumper to show a t-shirt criticising the council.

Mr Burt wore the t-shirt earlier in the evening while asking a question on the development of plans for a Sports Forum.

Councillor Sarah-Jane Hacker tweeted: “I am pleased that Cllr Ennis has reiterated that Reading Labour-led RBC has zero tolerance to homelessness and that we will continue to commit to £1.55 million a year to helping vulnerable people & families. They are more than numbers to us.”

Mr Burt was approached for comment but chose not to respond.