CHARITY fundraisers are set to be barred from Blackburn and Burnley town centres for most of the week over fears they hassle shoppers.

Council chiefs in both boroughs are in talks with a body that represents charities to limit the number of the workers – dubbed ‘chuggers’ – and the days they operate.

Because the charity workers are collecting bank details rather than cash, they do not need licences, creating a ‘free for all’.

In Burnley, the council said that under the plan, which could be in place by the end of the month, fundraisers would only be able to operate on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

St James’ Street would be split into two areas with a total of just five charity workers allowed.

Burnley Chamber of Trade president Brian Hobbs said: “I think the less in-your-face they are in the town centre the better because people can feel a bit like they are running the gauntlet.

“We like to help charities but it can make Burnley a far less pleasurable place to shop and that is something we should tackle.”

Standish Street trader Neil Hartley, another chamber of trade member, said: “They do sometimes harass people and it may affect where people go.”

Council leader Charlie Briggs said the town hall was ‘keen to support the worthwhile work of charities’ and one-off fund-raising events would not be affected.

But he added: “We have to balance that with the needs and wishes of shoppers.”

If agreed, the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA), which represents charities, would operate a diary to ensure no more than five ‘chuggers’ are in Burnley town centre at one time.

It is understood Blackburn with Darwen Council would agree to limit chuggers to two or three days a week from this summer.

Town centre chief Dave Harling said: “We are aware of the problem and we are working towards a manage-ment agreement to limit areas and numbers. While we know that charities do need support, these type of charity representatives put off shoppers.”

Blackburn traders said they feared the fundraisers, who line King William Street in the hope of signing people up to direct debit donations, made shoppers feel harassed and backed the move.

Uby Patel, manager of Duffer Menswear in King William Street, said: “If I was a shopper I would be feeling harassed by them so I think it needs addressing.

“It would be helpful if they cut down the number of days they come and ask for donations.”

Alison Wayn, of Higher Church Street-based Record Exchange, said: “It certainly bothers me when I am trying to get to the bank and they block my path.”

Ian McQuillan, of the Public Fundraising Regulatory Assoc-iation, which represents charities, said the UK’s chuggers raise £200,000 a year for good causes.

He said: “People may find them annoying but they can always politely decline.”