NEW powers to deal with overly-persistent charity collectors on a town’s streets are to come into force this week.

Gateshead Council has introduced a Public Space Protection Order on streets in the town centre which will mean aggressive ‘chuggers’ can be issued with £100 on-the-spot fines.

Councillor Linda Green, cabinet member for communities and volunteering, said: “We want people to enjoy coming to the town centre and not be put off by those people who spoil it for the majority. It’s not proposed that we take steps against a polite approach from salespeople and charity collectors, but if people are obstructed or harassed in any way, we would encourage them to report the incident to us so we can take action.”