Aggressive begging is a problem on the streets of Aberdeen

City councillors are pledging to get tough on the practice with a by-law which would effectively stop people asking for money on the streets.

The council, Grampian Police, voluntary bodies and NHS Grampian have already opened talks with the Scottish Executive about the new legislation.

People would instead be encouraged to donate to organisations working with street beggars.

Legal ban

If successful, the law would effectively ban begging throughout the city.

The groups also hope to establish targeted support and care services for those involved in street begging as part of a 12-month pilot project.

An initiative involving a collection box scheme is also in the pipeline with the proceeds used to improve the lives of those who beg.

A report into the project was commissioned by Safer Aberdeen aimed at reviewing begging in the city.

Recent surveys suggest about 25 people regularly beg in Aberdeen with approximately half classed as homeless.

However, there are no local services that are targeted specifically at helping street beggars.

The scheme would see all street beggars being offered an assessment of their needs and a range of support services aimed at helping them develop an alternative lifestyle.

The findings will go before Aberdeen City Council on 14 September.