WILMSLOW charity chugger activity is set to be curtailed in the town centre from next week.

It follows complaints by shoppers and businesses from the charity fund raisers seeking direct debit donations in Grove Street.

Chuggers are not covered by any specific legislation, but 120 charities have set up a voluntary scheme of self-regulation organised through their Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA).

The pilot scheme, which starts from Monday, June 22, means that a maximum of two fundraisers for no more than two days a week can operate, with one charity only on one of these days and working only Grove Street only.

The chuggers will be expected to stay at least three metres away from doorways of shops and buisnesses and keep moving.

Cheshire East councillor Rod Menlove said: ‘When we go shopping we do not want to be bothered by chuggers trying to get us to sign a direct debit form, no matter how worthy the cause.

"Locally, it was clear that we needed controls so we volunteered Wilmslow as a pilot for Cheshire East and I have been chairing the steering group.

A few businesses have volunteered to be ‘monitors’ and if there are problems they will contact Wilmslow Town Council, as the nominated ‘gatekeeper’ who will inform PFRA.

"Their commitment is to resolve any problem within one hour. There are financial penalties on charities and individuals for contraventions."