Shoppers claim they have been 'followed' by people collecting for the RSPCA

Charities and companies canvassing for donations and subscriptions are known to congregate around the Spirit of Barrow statue in Dalton Road.

The practice is known as 'chugging' - a combination of the words charity and mugging, and many shoppers admit they avoid the area.

Pam Burton, who has raised money for charities which helped her disabled son Reece, said she was followed down Portland Walk by a representative from the RSPCA on Friday.

"It puts me off going into Barrow. It's morally wrong the way they pressure you, it's aggressive and intimidating," the 35-year-old from Askam said.

Others commented on The Mail's Facebook page with similar experiences. An online poll revealed more than 90 per cent felt they had been "pestered" by charity collectors in Dalton Road.

Barrow's Business Improvement District aims to attract people to the town centre.

"Barrow BID would like to create a welcoming experience within the town centre, so any charities or businesses canvassing in the town centre should be friendly and polite," BID marketing manager Colin Garnett said.

"I would recommend anyone having a poor experience or feeling harassed by individuals should report it to Barrow Borough Council."

Street canvassing is licensed by the council and subject to strict rules. These include a requirement for canvassers to "remain stationary" and not to follow people.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "We're concerned to hear that this is somebody's experience of our fundraising activities.

"As a charity we rely on kind donations and public support. We insist that our fundraisers conduct themselves professionally and take all complaints seriously, which we then investigate with the agencies we use.

"Anyone who has concerns about a fundraiser should contact our Supporter Services by emailing supportercare@rspca.org.uk, giving the location, date and time of the incident, details of the complaint and a description of the fundraiser."