The Mayor of Medway wants the Towns to lead the way in helping people living on the streets.

Cllr Stuart Tranter has been lobbied both by those supporting the homeless and by traders calling on the council to ban “organised” beggars from Rochester High Street.

This week he revealed plans to tackle the problem had been agreed after meetings with traders, residents, council officers and other agencies.

The Rochester West ward councillor said: “I am pleased to report a way forward has been agreed and I am content it is the best possible result given the complexity of the problem.

“In essence, it is a two-pronged approach. One, we will set up a multi-agency team with professional advice to manage/monitor the handful of people who ‘resist help’. This will enhance existing efforts and we will be seeking additional funding.

“Two, we will give clear public advice suggesting what people should do, or not do, to help the situation, and how or where to get support or information. This project will take many weeks to run its course, and at some level we can never totally solve it. But, within reason, anything which can be done, will be done. I want Medway to lead the way.”

Cllr Tranter said the plans at this stage concentrate on rough sleepers and beggars.

“They are crudely described as ‘resisting help’ but it is far more complex than that,” he said. “Every case is unique – that is part of the problem. There is no single fix.

“The complexity of the issues and communication requires that we do not rush off and get it wrong. We need to make sure we are doing all the right things. We do not yet have the answers all worked out. But I for one am determined that we will.”

Cllr Tranter said the plan has the support of Medway’s head of community safety, Cllr Adrian Gulvin, the head of housing, Cllr Howard Doe and Rochester and Strood MP, Kelly Tolhurst.