Beggars are plaguing the historic part of Rochester High Street to exploit thousands of tourists and shoppers, say traders.

They are concerned the band of vagrants camped outside shops and businesses are putting off customers.

And they also believe it could have a damaging impact on visitors to the popular Dickens Festival at the end of this month.

The problem emerged after Christmas but has worsened in the last five weeks as the weather has improved, they say.

Sanjay Raval, who runs the City Wall Wine Bar and is a leading member of the Safer Medway Partnership, said: “The matter has arisen at our weekly meetings on numerous occasions.

“It is clearly a calculated operation and they are set in key positions in the High Street.

“They are clearly not homeless and turn up mid-afternoon usually towards the end of the week when there are more people around.

“They also tend to target in the evenings at weekends when people have had a drink.”

A shopkeeper, who did not wish to be named, said there were about six or seven regular beggars.

She said: “They seem to gather around the Star Hill end, which is not an attractive image as you walk into the High Street as some of them are drunk.

"Hopefully the only beggar we will have on the street for Dickens will be Fagin..." - Cllr Howard Doe

“They turn up with blankets and enough food for a picnic and hang around drinking.

“I am on to the police all the time and the PCSO is good about moving them on, but they just keep coming back.”

One shopkeeper, Steve Barker of S and J News, stopped selling alcohol to them and has refused to cash up loose change.

Mr Barker said: “We started doing this about two years ago and it has made a difference and cut down on shoplifting.

“They were coming in with change totalling between £20 to £30.”

A police spokesman said: “We are aware of public concern over street drinking and begging in Rochester High Street and the Medway Community Safety Unit is working on this as a priority.

“We recognise begging takes place and we work with councils and homeless charities to support a long-term solution for those who are genuinely in need.

“Begging in a public place is an offence under Vagrancy Act 1824.

“Rochester High Street is an alcohol-controlled zone and any concerns around people drinking alcohol in public in this area should be reported on 101.”

Cllr Howard Doe, who is in charge of events and festivals, said: “This problem does emerge from time to time. But seems to go away during the Dickens Festival because there are too many people around and they are too noticeable.

“Hopefully the only beggar we will have on the street for Dickens will be Fagin.”