TRADERS are calling for a clampdown on charity collectors in Great Malvern town centre.

Businesses in Church Street say customers are being driven away because they are unable to walk up the street without being stopped and asked to make direct debit payments to charities.

Employed by a number of agencies contracted by charities, the collectors can be signing up pledges for a different charity each week.

Gary Heron, owner of Heron's News, said: "They're on your doorstep from eight or nine in the morning and it can put people off coming to town.

"I've actually seen them chasing people down the street."

Mr Heron said he thought it would be preferable if collectors targeted different areas each time instead of congregating in the town centre.

Matthew Lancett, manager of Malvern Country Meals, said he felt older people in Malvern were intimidated by the professional collectors.

"It's hard enough to get people into the town as it is," he said.

Peter Petherick, owner of Veg and Things, said customers had complained to him that they felt harassed.

Malvern Hills District Council is considering how it could limit direct debit charity collections to no more than one every three months.

The issue was due to discussed at a meeting of the Great Malvern Town Centre Partnership today (Friday).

Employees from agency Face2Face Fundraising visit Malvern about three days every month to secure donations for charities including the Blue Cross, Save The Children and Help The Aged.

So far this year, Malvern residents have pledged more than £8,000 through the agency.

A spokesman said: "In today's society, charities now have to go out and actively recruit donors, as they are unable to rely on enough people volunteering donations.

"This form of fundraising on high streets provides not only the most cost-effective form of fundraising for charities, but leaves those charities free to focus on their core activity, providing aid to those who need it."