POLICE have launched a crackdown on begging in the centre of Malvern.

Shoppers are increasingly being approached for money in the town centre, especially in the area around Church Walk and Waitrose.

Officers at West Mercia Police are investigating several incidents of begging reported between May 1 and June 8.

Traders say they have not noticed a problem and are not unduly concerned.

But street scene officers from Malvern Hills District Council have witnessed begging taking place several times. However, the council is powerless to do anything.

Street Scene manager Gordon Morris said he sympathised with those who felt the need to beg but said it could not be allowed to happen in the town.

He said: “We’d encourage residents to report any incidences of begging to the police so that any individuals can be formally dealt with. We do, of course, sympathise with people who feel there is no alternative to begging but we cannot tolerate this sort of behaviour on our streets.”

Malvern’s mayor Julian Roskams said he had not witnessed any begging but criticised recent welfare and benefit reforms, saying he was not surprised to hear of the most hard-pressed being driven into “deeper despair and poverty”.

“Incidents of homelessness and begging are likely as a result to become a more common sight on all our high streets,” he said. “And while those who contribute to food banks and soup kitchens deserve nothing but praise for doing amazing work, it is unforgivable in 21st-century Britain that the most needy in society have to rely on charity for basic necessities.”

Anna Brook, of Great Malvern Association of Traders, said she had received a letter from police but had not witnessed any problems herself, nor had any fellow traders she had spoken to.

Adrian Warburton, manager of Worcester-based homeless hostel St Paul’s, said he was not surprised to hear of an increase in people being forced to beg.

As well as the continuing tough times, he also believes changes to the benefits system have a part to play.

Mr Warburton, who lives in Malvern, said: “If there is an increase in begging, and people not having enough funds generally, I think that will have contributed,” he said.

Help is available and anyone looking to find help for themselves or someone else should call the referral agency Worcestershire Link Up on 0844 346 0014, which will then put them in touch with the appropriate support.

Anyone that has been asked for money or witnessed incidents of begging is urged to call a member of the Priory Safer Neighbourhood Team, based at Malvern Police Station, on 101.