COUNCIL and traders’ leaders said a new campaign to help beggars off the street of Blackburn town centre has made 'an encouraging start'.

The drive, which started last Wednesday, has so far offered help, advice and food to 15 individuals perceived as asking for cash from passers-by.

Three were assisted with offers of accommodation and five ‘fast-tracked’ into drug and alcohol addiction support services.

Feedback from the street outreach teams working with the campaign, which aims to persuade shoppers and town centre workers not to give cash direct to beggars but to charities working to help them was said to be ‘positive’.

Cllr Mohammed Khan, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said of the figures from the first seven days of operation: “It has been a very encouraging start to the campaign.

“A number of people have been signposted to help and found accommodation.

“Some of the regular begging pitches seem to have become empty but it was never about forcing people off the streets.

“It is about persuading generous Blackburn people that the way to help is not giving the beggars money which they may spend on drink and drugs.

“It has just been a few days and there has been a flurry of activity but it is about the long haul.”

Tony Duckworth, President of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: “ It is early days but it is a worth idea with its heart in the right place.

“Ideally people will realise that the best way to support these vulnerable people is to give money to the charities which support them not the beggars themselves.”

Feedback from the first week showed that: the public response had been supportive with all businesses on King William street taking leaflets and posters; 15 beggars given assistance and offered food; six buskers refused to engage although they moved on when approached; five individuals fast-tracked into the Inspire drug and alcohol addiction support service; an increase in numbers attending the soup kitchen run by Blackburn charity ‘Thomas’; three individuals assisted with accommodation; and several one to one follow up visits made follow initial street discussions.

The research showed that: “The campaign has raised public awareness of the issues surrounding begging and busking.”

Cllr Phil Riley, borough regeneration boss, said: “It is very early days but things seem to have started well.

“There are signs that the number of beggars on the street at any one time has reduced slightly.”