Community Safety Glasgow asks 'what to do with beggars' Published duration 9 May 2016

An online survey has been launched seeking the public's views on begging in Glasgow city centre and asking what should be done about the issue.

The survey, which runs until 20 May, is being run by Community Safety Glasgow - a charity whose two members are Police Scotland Glasgow City Council.

It asks how people react to beggars and if they have experienced any aggressive or antisocial behaviour.

The replies will shape new approaches to help those involved in begging.

A spokesman for Community Safety Glasgow said: "The results of the survey will help us build up a clear, up-to-date picture of the nature and extent of begging in the city centre, the type of people involved and the problems they have.

"It will also tell us how people feel about begging and offer them an opportunity to contribute their ideas on how it might be addressed."

The charity works with partners such as the Simon Community's RSVP team, which provides an outreach service to homeless people on behalf of Glasgow City Council and gives them information on support services such as where they can access food, shelter and help them register for accommodation.