COUNCILLORS have called for a crackdown on "chuggers" - "charity muggers" - as part of new, tighter rules on street trading.

New rules being introduced this summer by Bournemouth Trading Standards will mean unlicensed traders can be slapped with on-the-spot fines of up to £80 by council officers.

The changes are designed to target anyone illegally selling goods such as sunglasses and food, and services such as phone-unblocking and head massages.

But councillors on the licensing board are demanding charity fundraisers be included in the new policy.

Councillor Anson Westbrook said: "I'm very concerned about these people who sign people up to direct debit payments for charity.

"It's one thing to have it in the town centre, but I've seen them on the streets of Winton, where old and vulnerable people are being bullied into giving their bank details."

There is national debate at the moment at the use of "chuggers".

Westminster council is currently lobbying the government for a blanket ban.

A spokesperson for the Charities Commission said: "With 190,000 charities in this country, it is increasingly important for them to personalise their cause, and get their message out to people.

"These teams are highly successful, but it is vital that no one should feel intimidated.

"They have a duty to tell you all the details of what you are signing up for and tell you how much is going to charity."

As for the changes on street trading, the new rules will centralise licensing applications in one department, and allow for borough-wide enforcement.

Paul Walker, Trading Standards manager, said: "At the moment, our policy only relates to the town centre and we don't have the means to enforce in places like Kinson and Westbourne.

"These changes will allow us to centralise licensing control and cover the entire borough.

"We will also have the powers to remove articles and goods where they are trading outside the law."