Charities in house calls row

The BBA has received complaints from residents who have confused it with Action for Blind People (ABP) whose collectors operate up to 8.30pm.

Residents complained that door knocks had disturbed them and, due to the unusual hour, raised concerns about the authenticity of the collectors.

Action For Blind People employs door-to-door fundraisers who canvas for donations and ask for bank details.

Carol Green, BBA chair, said: "The main concern is they're going to doors up to 8.30pm at night.

"We've got people who are having their carers to put them to bed, then they're knocking on the door getting them up.

"We're getting a bad name because of it. People think we're being insensitive."

Most of the complaints were from Smithies, Cudworth, Worsbrough, Ward Green and the town centre, she added.

Carol said when she contacted ABP she was told there was nothing they could do about it.

She added: "They just said they've got a licence, which they have. They're a big charity."

A Barnsley police spokesman said ABP was a genuine charity and it had not contravened the terms of its licence.

An ABP spokesman said: "We would like to assure people that we follow the highest codes of practice in relation to face-to-face fundraising.

"Our fundraisers will only go into an area that Action for Blind People has agreed with local authorities.

"All our fundraisers wear a badge and carry a letter stating they are fund raising for us and are contract to work to agreed standards of behaviour."