A call has gone out to introduce a code of conduct for street canvassers for charities in Didcot.

It comes a month after residents described the teams of charity workers who campaign in The Broadway as "bully boys".

Sue Such, of St Peter's Road, Didcot, said some canvassers were so intimidating that people crossed the road to avoid them.

She added: "If you see people standing outside shops you won't go there. These people need to be regulated ."

She criticised the Town Council and South Oxfordshire District Council for not taking action, adding: "If it was aggressive begging they would deal with it. We are being swamped."

Mrs Such said the number of canvassers in Didcot should be limited to one a month, and a designated spot introduced where they can promote their cause.

Carol Billington, owner of Special Days card and gift shop, in The Broadway, said canvassers had affected her trade.

She backed the call for a code of conduct, and said: "It is very concerning -- you can't prove that it affects your business but you feel that it does. I think it is a problem as people tend to put their head down and run the gauntlet."

Kim Cave, manager at womenswear store Peacocks, also in The Broadway, said some canvassers did not take "no" for an answer.

Town clerk Dominic Stapleton said the council had received complaints but did not have any powers to control canvassers.

He added: "The town council will be writing to the charities and expressing its concerns."

Colin Gibbens, licensing officer for South Oxfordshire District Council, said the canvassers did not need a permit but urged anyone with a complaint to contact them so it can pass on their concerns to the charities.

Disabled charity Scope, one of the charities canvassing in Didcot, said it does 'mystery shopping' checks to ensure workers are speaking to the public correctly.