MANY people no longer shop in Brighton town centre because of aggressive beggars, councillors claim.

Tory Stephen Wade told Brighton and Hove Council: "The problem of beggars is costing our towns revenue and driving away business. "Pensioners in particular are fearful of the unpredictability of some of these beggars, what substances they may have been abusing and their generally frightening demeanour. "Old people are vulnerable and choose to shop elsewhere in what they perceive to be a safe environment." The council decided to adopt model bylaws so that action can be taken against bongo drummers, buskers and washer boys when they become a nuisance. But a proposal from Coun Wade that beggars should be added to the list was rejected. Coun Brian Oxley said: "People are fed up with the activity at street corners and outside the shops they wish to visit." Fellow Tory John Sheldon said: "This is a very popular resort and it is attracting the wrong sort of people." But Labour councillor Simon Battle said that laws preventing aggressive begging were already in place. Environment chairman Neil Robinson said he found the Tory attitude offensive. But he added: "We will support police in clamping down on aggressive begging."

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