Soho Road action group 'to stop beggars and prostitutes'

Residents, community leaders and local business owners on one of Birmingham's busiest roads have started a campaign to deal with beggars, prostitutes and alcohol abuse.

The Soho Road Action Committee said it wanted to improve life in the area.

Rachel Toussaint organised the group after she was verbally abused by a beggar outside her business.

She said: "I don't mind being approached by people with mental health issues begging...but I'm just concerned it's aggressive begging."

West Midlands Police said it was aware of people's concerns and had responded to a number of complaints of anti-social issues.