A NEW charity street collection policy in Winchester was closely scrutinised by councillors.

Head of Environmental Health and Licensing David Ingram set out that that the policy ensures that charity sector can use Winchester for collections, without impacting the public.

Mr Ingram said: "This is to balance the needs of the charities and those needs of the public who want to enjoy the rich street scene the city has to offer.”

At the licensing and regulation committee, the new guidelines were discussed It means that for street collections charities are restricted to one collection for a maximum of one day per year, some charities are exempt from this including The Royal British Legion and The Hat Fair.

Under the new draft policy, it means that charitable collections in stores supermarkets or private land is up to the land owner, and not the licensing authority.

The meeting heard that there were fears that Winchester Round Table won’t be able to have their gazebo, however it was clarified that this won't be an issue.

Carol singers will only be allowed to sing for a maximum of two hours at a time at the Buttercross or at the High Street Christmas Tree.

Meanwhile, under the plans no animals other than assistance dogs can accompany a collector at any time.

Under the plans any collections which raise more than £200, must be published in a local newspaper, collections under this figure are exempt.