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Glasgow is to target “anti-social” beggers via new laws.

The city council plans to use CRASBOS - Criminal Anti Social Behaviour Orders - for those who refuse help and support and cause problems for others.

It means beggers would be banned from the city centre.

Councillors say they are not targeting those in genuine need but the small minority who are guilty of criminal behaviour or causing a nuisance.

Businesses in the city centre have been informed about the plans as part of the council’s begging strategy.

Last year the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce provoked outrage when it called for a begging ban in the city. The body claimed begging was putting people off from visiting the city centre.

Allan Casey, chair of the begging strategy working group, said: “There is no doubt about the link between poverty and begging.

“People who beg in the city centre are doing so because they are in a desperate state of need.

“Our job is to do whatever we can to put people in need in touch with the support services that can make a difference to their lives.”

The begging strategy group includes third sector groups who are providing support for homeless people and rough sleepers including the Simon Community, Marie Trust and Glasgow City Mission as well as city centre business representatives.