People begging at busy junction 'work to rota'

Beggars operating at the ring road junction are known to commuters, the council says

Begging at a ring road junction is "organised" with shift handovers witnessed, the leader of Walsall Council has said.

The local authority is looking to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) around the junction at Lichfield Street near Walsall Arboretum.

It would allow it to ban certain anti-social behaviour, including aggressive begging.

Walsall Council said its approach focussed on "connecting vulnerable individuals with the services they require while also ensuring public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all".

Speaking to BBC Radio WM, council leader Gary Perry said beggars operating at the junction were walking between queueing traffic to ask for money.

"Sometimes they are threatening toward individuals who don't want to donate," he said, adding that some of them had been seen working to a rota and "changing over".

'Getting worse'

However, the Conservative council leader said getting a PSPO was not "straightforward" and could take up to six months.

He said "organised begging" had also been spotted in the town centre raising concerns for businesses, residents and shoppers.

A PSPO has been in effect in the town centre since October 2023 and has been extended until 2026.

It bans a number of activities, including drug and alcohol use and begging "in a manner so as to cause harassment alarm or distress".

Councillor Matt Ward, the leader of the Labour group on the local authority, said the problem was getting worse.

"It isn't just at the traffic lights, it's down the high street, in the shop doorways."

"People should feel safe coming into Walsall but it's simply not happening." he added.

The High Street is included in the current PSPO zone.

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