CHUGGERS are exploiting a loophole in a bid to harass shoppers for money on days they are barred from working - by hiring out stalls in the council-run market.

Under Colchester Council rules, charity representatives are allowed to ask passers by for direct debit payments in High Street and Culver Street on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

But some organisations have found a loophole by hiring out private spaces, including stands in the Colchester Council-run market on other days of the week.

Council bosses are set to meet next week to agree a way to address the ambiguity.

In a report set to go before the Colchester Council licensing committee, it states: “In recent months it has come to our attention that some charities have been seen collecting in the town centre in contravention of the council’s policy on chuggers.

“Following an investigation with the [Public Fundraising Association] it appears that these are private collectors who operate outside of the agreement.

“They do so by siting themselves on or in privately-owned spaces or by using other means to gain a presence in the town.

“The effect of this is to circumvent the council’s agreement in relation to chugging.”

“Discussions have taken place with the market and street trading manager, who has confirmed that street trading licences are being granted to enable charities to promote their work and that market and street trading pitches are being used for charity promotion.”

It adds: “Clearly the council does not wish to stop charities promoting their work but it is considered that booking a pitch from which to carry out chugging activities circumvent the council’s policy and should be stopped.

“In the circumstances witnessed by the licensing team, the Friday market stall amounted to a pedestal from which fundraisers were seen to conduct chugging activities.

Members will vote on a proposal to make any market stallholder stay within the confines of the pitch, to stop any unwanted interaction with shoppers.

The ban was put in place in November last year.

As a result of the proposed new policy, council bosses say there could be a £2,300 loss to the authority as a result of fewer pitches being sold.