NO beggar on the streets of York is homeless, a study has revealed.

Since April, Safer York Partnership has been monitoring the people begging in the city, with Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) compiling a database.

The results of the ongoing audit show that currently none of the beggars is actually homeless.

Today, the Partnership launched a new initiative designed to clear York's streets of beggars.

Begging Be Gone is being run alongside North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council and Retailers Against Crime in York (RACY).

Earlier this year, Safer York Partnership was awarded Action Area status by the Home Office's Antisocial Behaviour Unit, together with a sum of £25,000 to spend on local campaigns.

Jane Mowat, director of the partnership, said the initiative was designed to dispel the myths about beggars in York and to make sure people's donations went directly to the people who need the money most.

She said: "We have cross-checked our database of beggars with those from other agencies, such as City of York Council and homeless shelters. The truth is that cash given (to beggars) is far more likely to be used to fund a drug habit, rather than be used for food, clothing or shelter."

So that those people who are genuinely homeless do not miss out on the generosity of York citizens, Ms Mowat pledged to establish donation boxes throughout the city, proceeds of which will go to local homeless centres.

Two such Give To The Box, Not To Beggars boxes are already in place; one in the Coppergate Centre and one in Parliament Street.

A new audition system for buskers is also intended to counter the begging problem in York. From this week, buskers who successfully audition for city centre manager Paul Barrett will be granted a busking permit.

Mr Barrett said: "It is all too easy for pedestrians to think that a beggar with a tin whistle is a busker, so we hope that issuing badges to buskers will make things clearer for everyone."

As well as posters around the city centre urging the public not to give money to beggars, Big Issue vendors will be doing their bit by wearing orange bibs bearing the slogan Working Not Begging.

Coppergate Centre manager Diana Golding, who also chairs RACY, said: "It is crucial that donations are directed to those organisations that really do make a difference to the lives of people who, for whatever reason, have taken to the streets," she said.

Updated: 10:02 Monday, December 06, 2004