A GROUP of business owners in the city centre are calling for action to tackle anti-social and criminal behaviour in Glasgow city centre.

The Glasgow Action Group said a solution is needed to an “epidemic” of begging and drug taking in city streets.

The group said it welcomes recent action by the council in its City Centre Begging Strategy but it wants more done to solve the problem.

It believes much of the begging on the streets of the city centre is directly linked with criminal activity and not a result of homelessness.

It warns some firms could leave the city centre unless action is taken.

A spokeswoman for the campaign group said: “The issue of begging, drug dealing, and drug taking in Glasgow City centre is reaching epidemic proportions. It’s time to act before a young child dies by picking up a recklessly disposed of needle used for injecting heroin.

“It’s time to act before businesses start to say enough is enough and vacate their city centre premises. It’s time to act before the reputation of Glasgow is in tatters.”

The group said it is not looking to penalise those who are genuinely in need.

The spokeswoman added: “We are not arguing for punitive measures which reduce the circumstances of society’s worst-off further. The aims of Glasgow Action Group are quite the opposite.

“We aim to support the neediest among the people of Glasgow, while disenfranchising those who take part in criminal behaviour.”

It claims that there are certain points in the city centre which are known as “valuable pitches” where beggars can collect up to £400 per week.

It said such “lucrative begging” stops them accessing support.

A council spokeswoman said: “Councillor Allan Casey is attending the meeting with relevant council officers and we are pleased that the Glasgow Action Group recognises and acknowledges the variety of positive work that’s being carried out by the council to support some of our most vulnerable citizens, many of whom have a range of complex issues.

“By working together, stakeholders, partners and third sector organisations have a role to play in helping to tackle anti-social behaviour in certain areas of the city and develop the correct strategies in which to help individuals.”