BEGGARS who have been plaguing residents by going door-to-door will be driven from the streets of Nelson, a police chief has pledged.

Last month shoppers in Nelson town centre complained that they were being targeted by two men and a woman, constantly asking for change.

The three, believed to be of Eastern European origin, were said to be from the Chapelhouse Road area, and there were claims the woman had claimed she had a large number of children who needed supporting.

Would-be victims were appr-oached both in the street and outside bank cash machines.

But Coun Eileen Ansar has said that the problem had spread, with what is believed to be the same trio targeting households in the Burnham Street area of the town.

Coun Ansar told a Pendle Council area committee meeting: “They are actually knocking on doors now and badgering people for money.

“We have had several complaints from residents so we are asking if there is any possibility of sending officers around there to have a word?”

Insp Paul Leigh, who heads neighbourhood policing in the town, said that officers had managed to get the individuals, thought to be concerned, removed from one property in Nelson.

“But then they have moved into another address, as there are a lot of rented properties in the area.

"We will be trying to move them on again,” added Insp Leigh.

The inspector has previously said that tackling street begging was a top priority for town centre officers.

He advised residents not to hand over money to the trio.