Bid to break up 'organised begging groups'

Walsall town centre is being targeted by organised begging from people not legitimately in need, according to a council leader

Legal steps are being sought to move on people who work in teams to beg for money despite not being in legitimate need, the leader of Walsall Council says.

A scrutiny meeting of the authority heard bosses were looking to break up "organised" groups operating in the town centre.

“There’s legitimate beggars and legitimate people in need, and illegitimate ones," said leader Garry Perry, adding shopkeepers had been providing intelligence.

One shopper told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the begging was intimidating, and drugs were an issue. West Midlands Police said officers carried out "regular patrols" in the town centre to target anti-social behaviour.

Mr Perry, Conservative, who said Station Street was among the areas in question, explained: “The hope is we’ll get the relevant order that will ban them from the town centre."

But he admitted the activity could be difficult to break up.

Council bosses are speaking to shopkeepers

Jeff, a 44-year-old shopper from Walsall, told LDRS it was difficult to "move 10 feet without being asked for change".

He said: "I think it’s quite intimidating. Especially for older people. Drug use is an issue as well. People approach me every day for money and cigarettes."

But Usman Khalid, a worker who has been employed in the town centre since 2019, said he hadn't been affected.

"There are a lot of beggars here but we don’t have any problems," he explained.

Walsall town centre is the focus of the council's crackdown

A council spokesperson said the authority was working to address the issue.

"The council’s approach focuses on connecting vulnerable individuals with the services they require while also ensuring public spaces remain safe and welcoming for all," they said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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