New rules came into effect this week to manage the behaviour of charity street fundraisers, often referred to as 'chuggers'.
Following complaints from shoppers and businesses about some collectors' behaviour, Cheshire East Council has been in negotiations with the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) to reach an agreement to help resolve tensions and improve the professional standards of street collectors.
Whilst chuggers are not covered by any specific legislation 120 charities are part of a voluntary scheme of self-regulation organised through their PFRA.
The PFRA scheme, which is operating in over 100 local authorities across England, started in Wilmslow on Monday, 22nd June.
The agreement in Wilmslow is that there can only be a maximum of two fundraisers at any one time and they can only be present for up to two days a week, with only one charity represented per day.
Additionally the fundraisers are restricted to Grove Street, must stay at least three metres away from doorways and keep moving.
A schedule itemising activity a month ahead will be issued a week in advance and if there is any activity different from the above then PFRA will be contacted and they will deal direct with the charity.
Councillor Rod Menlove said "When we go shopping we do not want to be bothered by chuggers trying to get us to sign a direct debit form, no matter how worthy the cause. Locally it was clear that we needed controls so we volunteered Wilmslow as a pilot for Cheshire East and I have been chairing the steering group.
"We started discussions in October last year, we were then joined by other towns in Cheshire East and now have the much needed agreement. I feel that we have a solution that strikes the right balance for our town and we now wait to see how it works in practice."
A few businesses have volunteered to be 'monitors' and if there are any problems they will contact Wilmslow Town Council, who will then inform PFRA who commit to resolving any problems within one hour.
There are financial penalties on charities and individuals for contraventions.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.