CHARITY collectors in Stroud were moved on after complaints they weren’t adhering to guidelines.

Chuggers, as they are commonly known, are allowed in Stroud town centre, once a week.

Each charity gets a turn and these are booked through the district council.

But last week, a group of collectors from a national children’s charity were in town for three days – on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - and also erected a gazebo.

District councillor Roger Sanders (Labour, Uplands), said Stroud District Council acted on complaints from traders.

“We don’t want to upset any charities because the work they do is so important but there are guidelines ,” he said.

An SDC spokesman said: “Following a number of complaints, we went to the town centre and spoke with the collectors.

"They told us they worked for a fundraising firm contracted by the national charity to sign people up to direct debit donations.

"They were unaware that we operate a booking system which aims to balance the interests of charities, local traders and shoppers by limiting the number of days for this type of activity.”