Before people get too polarised on the homeless issue in Brighton and Hove, they should take a look at a charity called the Emmaus Trust (www.emmaus.co.uk).

This group, which has recently established a new base in Brighton and Hove, gives 24-hour care for young homeless people - a roof over their heads, a job, care and attention - in return for their commitment to give up addiction.

As a resident who lives near Norfolk Square and St Patrick's, I see the different sides to the debate.

A better resourced Emmaus Trust is one practical solution to the problems faced by our city.

It seems to me traders are partly to blame for the problems of the drunks and beggars in St James's Street (The Argus, July 21).

I recently heard great improvements had been made in St James's Street and it was becoming rather trendy. So I took a walk there and had a look.

Apart from a few new restaurants and shops, I could not really see what the so-called improvements were.

Hardly any of the shops or restaurants had a clean or interesting frontage.

If every shopkeeper and restaurateur made the front of their properties look inviting, clean, interesting and intimidatingly expensive, this would not only deter the drunks and layabouts but would make the general public think twice about dropping litter as well.

The shopping areas in North, Western and Church streets could also be improved.

The council does what it can but one should also take responsibility for one's own patch as well. Traders and residents should keep their own doorsteps clean.

-Dorothy Thomson, Hove