Lincoln Business Improvement Group has made an appeal to Lincoln residents to not give to beggars on the street.

Lincoln shoppers visiting the high street have been urged not to give money to people begging and instead donate to charities.

The campaign comes after fears that giving money may lead to drug and drink abuse, and encourage people to continue begging.

Lincoln BIG have identified the problem and ask that people give to organisations as their money will go further.

Dan Turner, a Lincoln resident, said: “I don’t really give money to beggars on the street. It’s intimidating being asked.”

When asked about the new campaign he said: “I think it’s a good idea, but it won’t make me donate to charities, as I didn’t give to beggars in the first place.”

The City of Lincoln Council, Lincolnshire Police, and the Nomad Trust are just a few of the organisations working with Lincoln BIG to help clamp down on the problem of street beggars.