The manager of Witney's Woolgate Shopping Centre claims some market researchers and sales teams who visit the town are like "vultures".

He was speaking after a shopper called for controls on the street interviewers. Unlike charities, they do not need a district council licence.

Derek Honey says that when he refused to answer questions, he was verbally abused.

Mr Honey, of Bourton Close, said: "After being stopped three times, I refused. I noticed the interviewer had no ID badge, which I asked to see.

"The response was a mouthful of expletives and I was surrounded menacingly by his friends and laughed at.

"Surely something can be done to control these pests?"

Woolgate manager Rodney Hartwell said he allowed researchers in on a restricted basis. He said: "I have to agree some of these people drive you up the wall. They are like a band of vultures. I'm frequently stopped as I walk through the town."

West Oxfordshire District Council said it has recently passed on a complaint about a research firm to Oxfordshire Trading Standards officers.