An army of charity fundraisers who pester vulnerable people to hand over their bank details have invaded Tooting Broadway.

The “chuggers”, so-called because many view them as “charity muggers”, are reportedly annoying commuters and driving away customers from local businesses.

Concerns have also been raised over their tactics, which often involve engaging passers-by in conversation before persuading them to set up a direct debit to a charity.

Indrajit Patel, local business spokesman said: "Huge numbers of people use Tooting Broadway station and there is deep concern that shoppers and other visitors will stop coming if they know that every time they arrive they are going to be ambushed by people persistently demanding their names and bank account numbers.

"From our point of view we feel that there should be no chugging at all at this location."

Now the council is calling on ministers to force charities to obtain a local authority licence before sending chuggers to work in the area.

It says encouraging people to stop makes them easier targets for pickpockets and bag snatchers.

Councillor James Cousins, regeneration and community safety spokesman, said: "While we have absolutely no wish to stop charities raising money, we are becoming increasingly unhappy at the growing use of chuggers and the tactics they employ.”

Local MP Sadiq Khan has also called for charities to liase better with councils.

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