I fundraise for two charities very dear to my heart, often in the rain. Why does officialdom put so many restrictions on this activity?

When collecting in the open I am not allowed to canvas for support verbally or even shake my tin. Yet collectors who are on commission are allowed to.

I once applied for a licence for a charity street collection in Brighton only to be told all dates were taken. I checked central Brighton throughout that summer and in four instances no one was collecting.

Now I'm told it's against the law to sell things at an open air cafe here in Brighton - I can only have collecting boxes and literature.

Lastly, in November I bought my Remembrance poppy only to be told there was no pin because of health and safety legislation.

All charities should get together and present a united front to shame the legislators into positive action.

  • Malcolm Martindale, Swanborough Drive, Brighton