There was a time when you could not walk 100 yards in Oxford city centre without someone asking you for money.
But since police started targeting persistent beggars six months ago, the streets have been transformed.
Oxford has a wealth of support services for those in need, without people having to beg.
The initiative to clear the streets shows what can be achieved when organisations -- in this case, police, the city and county councils, the Oxford Poverty Action Group and the city centre management company OX1 -- work together.
What isn't clear is what has happened to those who previously begged in the city centre.
Some have no doubt moved into the city suburbs, but we hope others are taking advantage of the help available.
There can be no excuse for any type of begging in 2004.
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