VICTORY for Hugh and shoppers

HUGH ROBERTSON EXTRACTS PROMISE OF GOVERNMENT ACTION OVER STREET CANVASSERS

The menace of street canvassers is to be strictly curbed, thanks to the action of Hugh Robertson. He has received a promise that there will be a statutory licensing system in the new Charities Bill expected in the Queen’s Speech.

The problem arose as a direct result of the large number of complaints received by Hugh from his constituents – particularly elderly people. They felt increasingly threatened by the large number of street canvassers in Maidstone seeking to extort money for a variety of causes.

Maidstone Borough Council also complained to the MP about this and the detrimental effect on the feel of the town centre. The presence of these canvassers was deterring private investment in the town centre. Hugh took the matter up directly with David Blunkett, the Home Secretary.

ugh said: “I do not want to ban street canvassers. However, the existing system is causing a considerable amount of distress both to my constituents.

I am delighted that the government has agreed to implement a statutory licensing system as part of the new Charities Bill. It is a sensible solution to a growing problem.”