These 'strangers' are the numerous and persistent canvassers and fundraisers of many national charities who seem to think that Rugby town centre shoppers are the only ones with a penny or two.

I actually wouldn't mind the interruption occasionally, but they seem to constantly be there. You are hardly able to get out for a twenty minutes lunch break without being homed-in on by these people.

I have almost made it part of the game, that when I see one loitering with intent to pounce, I position a pensioner between them and me. If I time it just right and make sure I avoid their searching gaze, I slip past, dropping the pensioner right in it ... but probably side-stepping into the path of another charity representative!

There are so many working the town centre it seems that a quick stroll through the shops can be confused with the Monty Python Ministry of Silly Walks sketch..!

I admire their sterling work but I just wish there were fewer of them pounding the Rugby beat. Clearly there must be a response from the generous people of Rugby... otherwise they wouldn't do it. but for goodness sake, give us a break!

Of course every town centre regular has prepared their verbal responses to the approach from these people.

These, you can hear, vary from 'I already give to my favourite charities' to 'I'm sorry I don't have time now'.

The fundraisers are invariable polite... just persistent and a pain!

I presume that the council or the town centre company Rugby First controls the street licences for the charities. I would suggest that they should be moderated.

What do you think? Are the charity fundraisers in town a nuisance? Write to me at our usual address or leave a comment on-line by leaving a message at the bottom of this story.