A TOWN'S drive to rid the streets of beggars has just one more target.

Middlesbrough Council says the town has one beggar left on the streets after a year-long clean-up.

It is considering applying for a court injunction banning the unnamed man from begging anywhere within the town limits.

Yesterday, Richard Barker, of Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, was banned from begging for money anywhere in Middlesbrough, entering any car park and intimidating any person or encouraging others to do so.

The 28-year-old, branded Middlesbrough's "most prolific beggar" during a court hearing, was also banned from selling the Big Issue, after being accused of frightening off genuinely homeless sellers of the magazine.

Inspector Charlie Bell, of Cleveland Police, said: "He is a well-known beggar who has persistently harassed, threatened and pestered members of the public - particularly female shoppers.''

Kath Hierons, of the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership, said: "The injunction is a warning to other beggars: Do not come to Middlesbrough. If you do, we will prosecute you."

When Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon unveiled his vision of hope for Middlesbrough, in October, the town was plagued by 24 beggars.