Beggars who drink or take drugs on the street could be banned from the centre of Scotland's biggest city.

Glasgow City Council said the crackdown on a "small minority" of individuals would not target those in genuine need and would be accompanied by extra support for the city's homeless population.

The move would see the council and police use Crasbos - Criminal Antisocial Behaviour Orders - against beggars who use the city centre as a place to drink or take drugs.

This would be accompanied by a new hub in the city centre to provide support to rough sleepers and increased investment in community support projects.

Allan Casey, chair of Glasgow Council's Begging Strategy Short Life Working Group, said: "There is no doubt about the link between poverty and begging.

"People who beg in the city centre are doing so because they are in a desperate state of need.

"Our job is to do whatever we can to put people in need in touch with the support services that can make a difference to their lives."

Mr Casey said the local authority would continue to work closely with third sector organisations to improve the range of services for vulnerable people in the city centre.

But he added: "Unfortunately, there is also a very small group of people who routinely reject the support that is available to them.

"This tiny minority is involved in drink or drug fuelled disorder that is causing a disproportionate impact on the people who use the city centre.

"We are very clear that this kind of anti-social behaviour cannot be tolerated."

Charities and city centre businesses are now being consulted about the plans before the proposed new strategy is finalised.