HORDES of people across Worcester are backing a ban on chuggers - saying they are fed up of being accosted.

As the Worcester News exclusively revealed today, angry councillors have labelled the face-to-face direct debit workers "parasites" and want them gone from the city.

Now readers of this newspaper have come forward to say they overwhelmingly back a ban, claiming it puts them off going shopping.

The Labour politician who called for a new crackdown has also defended her stance, telling the Worcester News she wants them "banned across the land".

Councillor Elaine Williams has responded to some criticism by saying the chuggers are "lovely, friendly people" who are made to be nuisances by their employers.

Since our front page today reaction has poured in, with many readers saying they steer clear of the High Street.

A reader called Colin Self, 51, of the Arboretum, said: "At last, Worcester seems to have a councillor who actually recognises the problems these people cause.

"I used to go into town all the time but stopped, partly because of being asked time and time again for money.

"I have mobility problems and if you can't walk away quickly from these people, you've had it.

"The chuggers make Worcester a worse place, they should be banned not only here but all over the country."

City resident Emma Sherwood, writing on our Facebook page, said: "It's not the fact they're in the High Street asking your opinions, or trying to get money when you don't want to give it - it is the way they do it.

"Like the Duracell bunny on warp drive, they bounce up to you as if it would make you stop and talk to them - and when you politely say 'no thank you', some of them can get quite shirty."

Fellow reader Sam Eagle, also writing on Facebook, said: "They practically chase me down the street, and calling me beautiful or sexy is just inappropriate.

"I hate them and they are getting worse, I got hassled six times the other day just going between shops."

St Peter's resident Clare Vaughan, 29, of Elm Green Close, said: "They should banned, if people want to donate to charity they can do it very easily online.

"Having people trying a 'hard-sell' with clipboards is not on."

Yesterday, Councillor Williams said: "Other than the charity collectors with buckets, we as a council have no authority over them.

"I want Worcester to be a destination city, I want them banned across the land."

The council's licensing committee is writing to Worcester MP Robin Walker to ask parliament to consider banning the practice, saying the current voluntary agreements do not work.

The body which represents the collectors says it wants talks with the council about the committee's view.