A CLAMPDOWN on ‘chuggers’ in Darlington has been welcomed by shoppers, businesses and the town’s MP.

Shoppers in the town regularly face a gauntlet of charity collectors – often referred to as chuggers – raising money for good causes.

Their efforts have proved unwelcome to many of those who work and frequent the town centre, resulting in complaints from businesses and the public.

Distinct Darlington, Darlington Borough Council (DBC) and the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) have worked together to tackle the issue.

The ‘chuggers’ are now banned from the town centre for four days a week, only permitted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 7pm.

They are restricted to operating in set locations, namely High Row between Virgin Money and Santander and Northgate, around Lloyds Bank and Starbucks.

A statement from Distinct Darlington said: “We listened to many comments regarding the frequency of their work, the locations they work in and their sometimes persistent nature.”

Staff at Start Fitness, based on High Row, welcomed the changes.

Director Alan Berry, said: “They’re a problem and there are better ways to raise money that allow people to know who they’re giving to and where money goes to.

“It’s like running a gauntlet.”

Many shoppers agreed, saying they often changed their route through the town centre to avoid chuggers..

Kimberley Malpas, 23, said: “I go out of my way to avoid them but they follow you and you don’t always know who they are, I don’t trust them.”

Town centre worker Amy, 25, added: “It’s organised begging – I choose my own charities to support, as and when I want.”

DBC leader, Councillor Bill Dixon and MP Jenny Chapman welcomed the restrictions. Cllr Dixon said: “You can be approached ten times when you’re trying to mind your own business.

“Nobody wants to curtail good causes but they can be quite aggressive.”

Ms Chapman added: “Most people are happy to give to charity but many find this method a nuisance. I think most residents will welcome controls .”

The agreement covers charities that are members of the PFRA but cannot be imposed on those which are not.