SHOPPERS appear to be pleased that the number of 'chuggers' allowed to operate in Darlington town centre is being restricted.

As of tomorrow, charity fundraisers can only operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

They will also be restricted to two people per street and only allowed to station themselves on Blackwellgate and Northgate, between Crown Street and the Queen Street shopping centre entrance.

A poll answered by almost 1,000 people on The Northern Echo's website found that 87 per cent of people's shopping experience in Darlington was "spoilt" by chuggers.

One reader said: "It is about time - I am sick of all these various charities and big issue sellers forcing themselves on you everywhere you go.

"There are plenty of charity shops in town so why should people have to put up with them looking for donations on the streets?"

However one reader said: "To all the complainants, remember you may be glad of a charity one day."