More than half the beggars in Brighton and Hove could be swept from the streets by next spring.

The city council has set the target after receiving evidence that more of them are becoming hooked on heroin.

The knock-on effect has been a marked increase in aggressive begging.

One beggar was spotted demanding cash from 15 people in 17 minutes.

A report due to go before the city's environment committee tomorrow outlines a new strategy for addressing the issue. Its central aim is to reduce street begging by 60 per cent by March next year.

It says: "During the past year there has been a distinct change to a more aggressive style of begging linked to funding the use of Class A hard drugs.

"Levels of public tolerance have further declined and fear of crime has increased.

"Street drinking and begging have a negative impact on the city and its image as a vibrant, cosmopolitan and up-to-date progressive place to be.

"Shoppers and office workers during the day find the presence of beggars invasive and threatening, particularly at cash points and pay machines.

"For night-time leisure and entertainments users, the impact is more intimidating, making the public feel considerably less safe than during the daytime."

Research carried out by the council has so far identified about 30 people who regularly beg in the city and another 20 termed occasional beggars.

Most are not homeless but live in hostels or night shelters.

Heroin is cited as being the most common drug but others are addicted to crack cocaine.

The report says: "Clearly this type of antisocial behaviour has an extremely negative impact and causes alarm."

The strategy proposes involving the police, council and outside agencies, and providing support to help those who want to get off the streets and change their lifestyles.

Those who refuse to take up offers of support can expect police intervention, backed up with antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos), which can lead to prison.

Street drinking is being tackled in Norfolk Square but remains a concern and there is a growing problem in the Pavilion Gardens.

Father Alan Sharpe, founder of the St Patrick's Trust in Cambridge Road, Hove, said: "It's all very well saying they're going to do this and, if they succeed, it will be wonderful. But how are they going to do it? If it's just going to criminalise people, then that's a different issue.

"They say they will offer people help but lots of people need detox and rehabilitation programmes and there just aren't enough spaces for them."

A spokesman for Brighton-based Christian charity the Off The Fence Trust said: "There are a lot of agencies in the city which are working very hard to make a difference to the lives of homeless people.

"But I would ask what positive steps are being taken by the council to help each person kick their habit.

"We need to adopt a caring stance within the city to those who are marginalised and need help. I think we've lost that somehow along the way."

In 2000 The Argus launched a Don't Give To Beggars campaign after revealing residents were inadvertently putting money into the pockets of drug dealers by giving to homeless people.

It followed a survey which showed more than a third of beggars admitted spending donations on heroin.

The campaign was designed to channel money into charities and support services that help the homeless.