Begging issues under the spotlight for shoppers and traders in Walsall
The issues around begging and the spectre of 'gangs' of 'professional' beggars is one which concerns those working and shopping around Walsall town centre.
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One thing which has become more evident in the town centre has been a discrepancy between those in genuine need and what has become a trend of "organised" gangs of beggars operating in the town centre, with some being described as intimidating and aggressive when asking for money.
The leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Garry Perry, has said that legal steps are being sought to move on people who work in teams to beg for money despite not being in legitimate need.
He said: "There’s legitimate beggars and legitimate people in need and illegitimate ones.
"What we’re seeing in Walsall at the moment in key areas, Station Street being an example of that, are illegitimate beggars.
"We are looking at the approaches to try to break up this gang of activity with these beggars."
Around Walsall Market on a Tuesday lunchtime, people were shopping, selling their wares, stopping for a chat or heading out on their lunch break.
There are also more and more signs of people in need, sat next to doorways and asking for spare change, with at least three people visible on Park Street in varying stages of need.
