Beggars in a Colchester town centre alleyway are hitting trade, a shop manager has claimed.

Jeweller Alan Farren, who works in Pelhams Lane, off High Street, said he loses customers because shoppers are intimidated by people begging and causing trouble.

Alan Farren of Farren's jewellers, Pelhams Lane, who says that beggars ruin his trade at the shop

He also described a recent fight in his shop, which left blood "everywhere" and customers terrified, and said drink or drug-related problems happen almost daily in the area.

Mr Farren, 54, said: "I have been here since 1993 and it has gradually got worse.

"There are people begging in that passageway virtually every day."

He said he thought women on their own and families were put off walking along Pelhams Lane.

Mr Farren said: "It cannot be a good environment for people to shop in and it affects my trade.

"Nobody is going to stop and look in the window when there is arguing and swearing."

Colchester police have launched a new tough approach on people begging in the town, which a spokesman said should solve the problem faced by shopkeepers.

Sgt Paul Johnson said a new warning scheme to deal with people on the streets meant that once it was fully working, "begging should be a thing of the past".

Published Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette