AGGRESSIVE begging in Southend town centre is putting off shoppers, it is claimed.

Despite one man being jailed and 15 professional beggars being banned some visitors have had enough and are refusing to return.

Mum-of-two Kate McRae said: “I was taking my disabled mother into town and I dropped her off at Primark in the Royals.

“I had my youngest daughter, who is 19-months-old, in her buggy.

“I was approached three times. They were extremely aggressive.

“The first one, when I said no, pointed to the cash machine and said ‘get money out for me’.

“I felt quite intimidated when he started shouting at me.”

The 36-year-old train driver from Southchurch said she will shop online or go to Chelmsford instead.

She added: “Pretty much everyone I know is saying the same sort of thing.”

Southend Council is launching a campaign to combat the problem, in conjunction with police and BID, but for some it is too late.

Christine Coulthart, another mum-of-two from Southchurch, said: “My last visit to town put me off for good.

“It does not feel safe to go to town. And it’s certainly not good for tourism either.”

It is claimed the problem was made worse by homeless people and those in need being put on trains to Southend from other boroughs which may have made others more aggressive as they attempt to get donations.

A spokesman for Southend Council said: “We are aware it’s an issue."

A spokesman for Southend Community Partnership said: "“Along with rough sleeping, Southend has seen an increase in people coming into the borough to prey on the goodwill of the general public by undertaking ‘professional street begging’.

“Whilst many people will be happy to give money to beggars, this behaviour can be intimidating and unwanted.

“It can be off putting and is having an impact on the attractiveness of our High Street.

“Where such individuals are identified or where individuals have been offered support services but continue to cause issues, a stepped approach of intervention and enforcement is taken by members of the partnership such as the council and Essex Police.

“As part of the enforcement approach to address professional begging and other anti-social behaviour in the High Street, 15 criminal behaviour orders have already been secured by the police against these individuals.”

Attempts are being made to help those truly homeless and those in need with support services such as Southend Treatment and Rehabilitation Service. Gill Garwood, chief executive of homeless charity Harp, said the charity is trying to build trust and help those in real need.