IT REALLY is disgraceful and shameful that homeless ex-soldiers have become a “sad legacy” on the streets of Sussex (The Argus, May 8).

And this after having served in Northern Ireland, Iraq or Afghanistan under difficult and dangerous conditions.

Veterans who are suffering from the traumas of war are sleeping rough, living alone and are now struggling to come to terms with adapting to civilian life after leaving the Army.

They quite rightly feel they have been abandoned by the Army, a notion which I think is unacceptable.

It is disgraceful that more than 15 ex-servicemen and women are now sleeping rough in Brighton and Hove alone.

What’s more concerning is there may be many more who are too proud to ask for help.

Crippling post-traumatic stress results in some turning to alcohol or drugs.

I was concerned to read the story of one person, Max, who is an alcoholic and living on the streets with his girlfriend, having served in Northern Ireland 14 years ago.

I am amazed that after having suffered in Belfast he left the Army but received no support at all.

The MoD should provide all the care it can and support our ex-servicemen and women. It should not just abandon people when they leave the Army.

Max says that he and his girlfriend had nowhere to go and, after living in this city for nine months, are struggling.

Many soldiers find it hard to readjust to civilian life after leaving the services.

They need support – just abandoning them is totally unacceptable and a shameful indictment of our society.

Steve Fuller, Rowan Avenue, Hove