CALLS have been made to tackle “aggressive” beggars hounding people for money in Colchester city centre.

Darius Laws, chairman of Colchester Council’s crime and disorder committee, said he is “perplexed” by the issue, adding: “I find it intimidating”.

The behaviour comes despite a Public Space Protection Order banning people begging for money and other items in the city centre.

Mr Laws told a meeting of the committee on Tuesday night how he was approached by three people on his way to the town hall.

Gazette: Begging - 'aggressive' beggars are approaching people in Colchester High Street#Begging - 'aggressive' beggars are approaching people in Colchester High Street# (Image: Newsquest)

“I appreciate that catching people in the act is not always easy,” he said.

“But I am perplexed why there are people sat on our High Street asking for money because it happened to me tonight.

“They are not in the private shopping centres but on our High Street and we have a clear PSPO in place to say: ‘You shall not loiter and aggressively beg’.

“I find it intimidating and my mother wouldn’t dream of walking down Colchester High Street at dusk just to be approached by people asking for money.”

Gazette: Intimidated - Darius Laws has called for action to tackle beggarsIntimidated - Darius Laws has called for action to tackle beggars (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Laws, councillor for Rural North ward, said he has heard of people being asked for money while they are sat outside at restaurants.

“There was a time when things seemed to be better but it is definitely on an upwards surge,” he added.

The PSPO gives police officers and street wardens power to issue a fixed penalty notice to those flouting the rules, which are due to expire next month.

Colchester district commander Colin Cox said he would like to see attempts to tackle the problem at its root cause before dishing out fines.

Gazette: Insight - Chief Insp Colin Cox called for officials to look at the root cause of beggars' problemsInsight - Chief Insp Colin Cox called for officials to look at the root cause of beggars' problems (Image: Newsquest)

He highlighted Operation Luscombe which utilises partnership work to tackle begging.

Mr Cox said: “I think we need to think about Op Luscombe and the root of the cause. Why are they there? We need to deal with that.

“It is about providing them support, guidance and getting them the help they need to stop drinking, provide them accommodation and help them get on the road to whatever recovery they need.”