A WOMAN has told how she will no longer be visiting Bolton town centre after falling prey to an aggressive beggar.

Aggressive beggars are said to be driving people out of the centre, according to businesses.

The woman's story was published by the council as part of plans to bring in a town centre Public Spaces Protection Order to end anti-social behaviour.

She said: "I was sitting at a window table in Greggs at the top of Knowsley street, I was the only customer, when a man walked past, clocked me sitting there and proceeded to hang about outside for the next 10 mins. I knew he was waiting for me to leave as he ignored other people passing him by.

"Surely, as I left he approached me, stood right in front of me, cutting me off from the way I was heading, asking for money. Very scared I shouted go away and headed back to Greggs for safety. The staff were understanding as they knew of him.

"We watched him for a while and it would seem he prefers to target lone women ­— first by looking into cafes (he tried McDonalds and cafe Nero) to see who he could follow when they leave, or failing that just those passing by on the street.

"This is not the first time I have been intimidated and threatened by the numerous 'beggars' in Bolton Centre but it has to be the last as I now feel I cannot come to Bolton and be safe anymore and this is such a shame.

"I just wanted to share this horrible experience with yourselves. I am now disabled, use a stick and felt very, very vulnerable today."

READ MORE: New powers to rid the town centre of anti-social behaviour

READ MORE: Anti-social behaviour crackdown: List of offences which could land a £100 fine

Town centre businesses have told how anti-social behaviour is affecting their livelihoods.

Comments sent to Bolton Council included:

"Begging in the Town Centre has definitely become more aggressive, and more customers and staff are being harassed and intimidated" (including elderly and vulnerable)

"Bolton footfall has been in decline for the last couple of years, due in part, to the presence of beggars"

"There is definitely a correlation with the increase in theft from stores in the town, and the increased presence of beggars in the town" (Bolton is among the highest

stock loss stores in the North West)"

"There is definitely a beggars/shoplifters network, with a hierarchy who also have regular venues for the onward sale of stolen goods"

"Beggars are aware that their behaviour will not be challenged, as police resources are overstretched"