Let’s restrict the chuggers (From Evesham Journal)

Let’s restrict the chuggers

2:00pm Thursday 21st February 2013 in News

A CRACKDOWN on street charity collectors in Evesham would be welcome, say town councillors.

After a neighbouring council struck a deal restricting ‘chuggers’, town councillors have said they would support similar restrictions in their town. Councillor Frances Smith said: “I would support a similar thing in Evesham. I know people are entitled to make a living but they put people under duress to agree to what they want.

“We have tried through the town council to stop them before but they always come back. For the older people particularly, they don’t always have the strength or willing to say no.”

Councillor Jim Bulman said he would like more restriction: “People want to concentrate on local charities. I would support a call for a restriction on them. I don’t mind someone standing with a tin but when you are confronted by someone it can be intimidating.”

Currently anyone wanting to collect for charity on the streets of Evesham must fill out a form and comply with certain legislation.

Providing they receive no objections from consultees, which includes Evesham Town Council, they are entitled to collect in the town.

Councillor Andrew Dyke said: “I still see them in town pestering people. I haven’t met anybody who is in support of it.”

The collections, which usually take place between 9am and 5pm, can currently happen any day of the week and chuggers can operate anywhere except inside the Riverside Shopping Centre, where they need separate premission.

Worcester City Council agreed new terms with the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) this week. Chuggers are now banned on weekends, can only operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and are excluded from all