SHOPPERS are being warned that beggars on the streets of Leigh are more likely to be drug addicts and alcoholics than homeless people.

Wigan Council this week urged residents not to give money to individuals, as it would likely be used to fund an addiction, and urged people to give to charity instead.

“Members of the public give their money to street beggars in good faith, often presuming that they are homeless,” said Clr Kevin Anderson.

“There are many organisations, often charities, offering support with addiction or providing accommodation to those in need.

“They would benefit immensely from people’s donations and we would encourage people to consider making donations to them, however small they might be.

“In fact, we know from the organisations that we work with that most people are not homeless and this money is used predominantly to buy drugs and alcohol.

“This can lead to an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Wigan Council is working with partners, including Greater Manchester Police, outreach workers and local charities, to reduce street begging and direct people to the support available to them.

The Killing with Kindness campaign aims to educate the public about the effects of giving money to beggars, as well as putting beggars in touch with organisations that can help them.

Council officers and police have promised to remove beggars from the borough’s town centres, using powers granted under the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 30 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act.

They will be encouraging them to speak to organisations who can offer advice and practical support.

Local charity The Brick provides help and support to the homeless, anyone sleeping rough, or those with problems relating to issues such as health needs associated with substance misuse and an unsettled lifestyle.

For more information, visit thebrick.org.uk.

Residents can also contact Street Link to advise them of people sleeping rough who may need support. Visit streetlink.org.uk or call 0300 500 0914.