From November, police plan to arrest anyone asking for money in the city centre, after receiving complaints from local residents.

Those caught could be fined, police said.

A spokeswoman for Cambridgeshire Police said they were particularly concerned with "aggressive begging", but all "persistent" beggars would be arrested.

Criminal offence

The spokeswoman when asked if the aim is to "clear the streets of beggars" said: "Yes, that's the idea."

The Vagrancy Act of 1824 will be used which makes it illegal to beg in a public place.

Police on patrols will arrest anyone found begging and CCTV cameras will be used to spot offenders.

The spokeswoman said begging in whatever form on the streets of Cambridge will be unacceptable from November.

It is a criminal offence and the police will take action, she said.

A spokeswoman for Cambridge homelessness charity Wintercomfort said begging is a problem in the city.

She said the scheme would be acceptable provided it was aimed at persistent beggars.

However, she said she would be concerned if a new beggar was arrested straight away because many people beg out of desperation.