STREET beggars are causing a nuisance to shoppers and intimidating residents on the Westlands estate.

There have been calls for them to be moved on from the precinct area because many believe they are intimidating to visitors, as well as other residents who want to shop there.

The problem was brought up at the last meeting of the Westlands Forum.

At the meeting the agenda was replaced with a question and answer session to gather more information about issues of concern.

Dean and Sue Barber, who run the Fox and Goose pub, asked if anything could be done to deter beggars from the precinct.

However, Sergeant Ray Williams, of Droitwich police, said that they could only act or do something about the problem if they saw threatening behaviour from the people concerned.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Councillor Roy Seabourne (Lab-Droitwich West), who is chairman of the Westlands Forum, said that beggars are a problem in the area.

"Police are dealing with the problem, but it is a delicate issue. A handful of young men are trying to beg money from people. They are causing a nuisance.

"The people are often big young men and can be very menacing to women who are shopping."

Cllr Seabourne said that part of the problem was getting people to give evidence to the police about the beggars. He also called for more people to speak out about them. "Many organisations are trying to help with the problem and it a definite issue that the forum recognises and wants to deal with.

"However, we need the co-operation of the public and urge them to speak to the police and not be intimidated."

He added that the Westlands Forum will now continue to do all it can to deal with the problem.

A spokesman from Droitwich police was not available to comment before we went to press.