Beggars who pestered thousands of tourists and shoppers in the historic part of Rochester during the summer have returned.

And this time there’s more of them who are even more intimidating, according to residents and traders.

Groups of vagrants are camping at each end of the High Street, deliberately near cash machines, to persuade passers-by to part with their money.

Now Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst and ward councillor Stuart Tranter are determined to get tough with them.

Cllr Tranter said: “We need a big push on enforcement.

“There are some genuine cases out there, but most are not homeless. They have chosen this strange lifestyle and we need to make them feel uncomfortable.

He urged people not to give them food or money.

“I don’t want to sound cold. They might think this is a genuine act of generosity.

“But they are perpetuating the situation, making it acceptable and not solving the problem.”

Miss Tolhurst added: “This is very much on the radar both as ward councillor and MP and I have made representations to the police."

Philip Ruby, chairman of the High Street residents’ association, has brought the problem to the attention of police.

Mr Ruby said: “It went away for a while, but it has come back and it’s worse. It is not a good image for Rochester. They can be intimidating and put people off.

“We are trying to attract an early evening economy in Rochester and not a late-night economy.

“They are camped virtually outside places like Pizza Express and targeting families who have gone out for a meal.

“This not a homeless problem. These people all know each other and are just asking for money to buy strong lager.”

Sanjay Raval, who runs the City Wall Wine Bar in High Street, was among traders who complained in the summer.

Mr Raval, a member of the Safer Medway Partnership, said a police crackdown had not made a difference and he still gets complaints from som e customers.

He said: “It is clearly a calculated operation and they set up in strategic positions.”

Begging and sleeping rough in a public place is an offence under the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Rochester High Street is an alcohol-controlled zone.