I would like to respond to Kenneth Adam's plea for something to be done about the charity canvassers who invade our space (Letters, October 16).
Something is being done by the Brighton City Centre Business Forum. We are facilitating meetings between trade associations and the Public Fundraising Regulatory Authority (PFRA).
The problem is that at the moment the canvassers are not illegal and are governed only by a voluntary code of practice. It is of great concern to retailers that these people cause such distress to their customers.
It is also an unfortunate fact that the charities collect a great deal more money from signing people up to direct debit commitments than from any other activity.
As long as this continues to be the case they will not go away voluntarily. Until legislation is introduced (and this may be in the pipeline) all we can hope to do is moderate their behaviour and restrict their numbers.
-Soozie Campbell, city centre manager, Brighton City Centre Business Forum
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