Beggars and drunks are driving shoppers away from Accrington town centre in the run up to Christmas, it was claimed this week.

Traders fear that shoppers are being intimidated by people approaching them for money or acting in a drunken manner, especially around Broadway and Peel Street bus station.

They say that the problem has got worse in recent months.

Mark Brown, of the Campaign for Accrington Town Centre’s Heart (CATCH), said the problem was making it difficult to attract shoppers to the town.

He said: “I would challenge anybody to spend an hour and not see someone walking through with an open can of cider.

“I’ve seen a lot of beggars and drinkers around the bus station. Every day it’s fairly prevalent.

“If people are coming here for the first time and this is the impression they get of the town they won’t be back, it’s definitely putting people off.”

Dave Wearden, of Gift Print on Peel Street, said the issue was so bad he was considering closing his shop.

He said: “It’s not just that Accrington doesn’t generate enough business but I have to come down here every day and work in this environment and it gets you down.

“They intimidate people and cause a nuisance.

“I know a lot of people who work round here who’ve been shouted at by them or intimidated and nothing is ever done.”

Susan Smith, of The Bus Stop Cafe on Peel Street, said there had been a problem with people drinking by the bus station for years.

She said: “They sometimes urinate down the alley behind us and they’ll ask for 10p or something. They’ve been here as long as I’ve had the cafe.”

But homeless charity Maundy Relief, based on Abbey Street, called on shoppers to be patient with people who may be coping with problems close to Christmas.

Maundy Relief manager Lucy Hardwick said there are plenty of resources available in Hyndburn to help those who may be struggling.

She said: “There are a lot of people struggling at the moment who are certainly not causing anti social behaviour – they are two separate things – while some people who cause a disturbance, are not that hard up.

“I wouldn’t deny there can be a problem at certain times. I think it’s a question of directing people to certain services such as ourselves and Inspire.

“Street homelessness is not a massive problem in Hyndburn. The problem is more the anti social behaviour with people with addiction issues.”

Hyndburn Council urged people to report any problems to the council or police.

Lancashire Police said there has been no rise in the number of calls they have received regarding anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Deputy council leader Clare Pritchard said: “We can’t act on something if we don't know about it.

“If there are problems people need to report them and if there’s evidence we can act on them. I don’t think there’s a significant problem – people are entitled to their opinions but nothing is being reported to us.”

Paul Freely, of Christian Watch, who is opening a flower stall with volunteers in the Market Hall, said those hanging around needed more help from social services and charitable groups.

He said: “Sometimes people do approach me for money but I suggest they go to somewhere like Maundy Relief where they can get help and counselling.

“If they are begging it’s unlawful and the police can take action but maybe social service could get more involved too.”

Lancashire Police Inspector Catherine Platt said: “We would reassure people that we have a dedicated town centre team in addition to 24/7 patrols.”