 The council has reduced the number of beggars in Brighton by 91% |
People are being asked not to give money to street beggars in Brighton in an attempt to stop those who use the money to feed drink and drug habits. Instead they are being asked to donate to the Alternative Giving campaign run by Brighton and Hove Council which provides services to the homeless.
The charity aims to help beggars obtain treatment and get off the streets.
Collection boxes will be placed across the Sussex city including, shops, Churchill Square and Brighton station.
'Could be fatal'
Posters displaying the message Don't Kill with Kindness will also appear on leaflets and posters throughout the city.
Councillor Ken Bodfish said: "We appreciate that people often want to help beggars on the city's streets.
"Sadly, most have a drinking or drug addiction - and giving them money will feed that addiction, sometimes fatally.
"It's far more useful to give that money to specialised charities which work to help them get away from begging into a safer environment and a more positive future."
So far the council's community safety team has achieved a 91% reduction in the number of beggars in the city and the team hopes this latest campaign will reduce the number further.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
