'INTRUSIVE’ charity collectors are set to be banned from operating in Accrington town centre.

Under new proposals, which cover Broadway and Market Way, Hyndburn Council plans to put an end to workers who collect personal data and set up direct debits on the street.

The practice is known as chugging, short for ‘charity mugging’. The council said traditional ‘tin collectors’ will still be welcome in the town.

Under the new rules, charity collectors would need to apply for permits under which personal data collecting and ‘hard sell’ tactics would be banned.

Deputy leader Clare Pritchard said: “It is quite intrusive and as some of our neighbouring councils have also cracked down on ‘chuggers’ - we felt we needed to take swift action.

“The last thing we want is for Accrington to be overrun with techniques for collecting money which most people find off-putting. Shoppers should be able to walk the streets without being approached for their personal financial details. It’s important that the council recognise this and put measures in place to protect shoppers.”

Currently the council grants licenses to charities who wish to collect in the town centre, but officers say the absence of a firm policy on the tactics allowed has previously made it difficult to refuse applications.

A report by Hyndburn Council officers on the issue said the practice of ‘chugging’ was having an adverse effect on the most vulnerable Hyndburn residents. Officers said they have been made aware of chugging affecting the elderly, people on very low incomes and young people.