A SHOPKEEPER has complained about the actions of a charity canvasser in York city centre.

Shop owner Geoff Millington criticised what he called the "unprofessional" conduct of street canvassers representing international charity Water Aid.

He said one male worker only approached young women, was too persistent and used his hands to stop them moving away.

The canvasser's employer, DialogueDirect, has promised to launch an investigation into the incident and plans to offer further training to employees.

Mr Millington, 48, who has run The Nut Centre in Market Street for almost 20 years, said the canvassers were unprofessional and affected trade in the city centre by scaring off shoppers.

He said: "I've got nothing against fundraising, but I think it is unfair that people should consistently approach young women.

"Sometimes it is in a very persistent manner and I have seen them use their hands to stop people walking off.

"I would like the council to come and watch them and for strict guidelines to be put in place."

DialogueDirect communications manager Kate Plews said the company was committed to ethical money-raising methods and used street fundraisers to heighten awareness of charities and gain financial support.

She said: "Fundraisers are trained to approach a wide range of members of the public and to be sensitive and non-invasive.

"We monitor our workers' behaviour closely and regularly 'mystery shop' the teams.

"The training and disciplinary issues arising from this complaint will be acted on without delay." A spokeswoman for Water Aid said the charity relied on public support to implement life-saving sanitation work in African and Asia.

She said: "We sincerely hope that this complaint will not effect the support so vital to the world's poorest people."

A City of York Council spokesman said the council had received no complaints about this organisation.

Updated: 14:23 Monday, May 27, 2002