Of all the campaigns the Argus could run, you have chosen to focus on one of the must vulnerable and destitute sections of the population. It is not disputed many - but not all - of those who beg in streets suffer from a mixture of drug, alcohol and mental health problems.

However, to launch a campaign in this way will simply make beggars yet another scapegoat for people's anger and frustration. It does nothing to solve the underlying causes of begging in the streets.

Unfortunately, the homeless czar quoted, just like the drugs czar, is part of the problem, rather than the solution. Brighton has a major heroin problem and until the drug is once again available on prescription, addicts will turn to either begging or crime.

While we have a government which criminalises drug users, the situation will never be solved.

Of course beggars are deemed a social nuisance to be swept to one side. But if the Argus is serious in wanting the problem of begging to be dealt with there is an easy solution.

Begging on the streets is a relatively new phenomeon. Twenty years ago, youngsters who left home because of abusive or violent parents were entitled to claim social security. There was virtually no begging then. Today this is no longer possible and begging is one of the consequences.

I hope the Argus turns its attention to the real evils of society and lets Brighton's beggars be.

-Tony Greenstein, Brighton and Hove Unemployed Workers Centre