WHILe enjoying a coffee in the sun in central Swindon the other day I was struck by the general attitude (by police and members of the public) towards beggars.

As they sit quietly, non-offensively asking for "any spare change please" they appear to be treated like scum.

Although I am an atheist, all the religions and moral belief systems tell us to give to the needy.

The giving of alms is a duty in the Islamic faith, yet very few do anything except walk past inwardly sneering and pre-judging their plight.

Do people not realise there is a story (usually a tragic one) behind each face?

I worked with the homeless for almost 10 years and was privileged to hear some of those, sometimes horrendous, life stories. Without sounding pious, it is part of my own believe system to give and I don't concern myself whether they spend it on food or drugs.

Their situation dictates that their priorities would be different from those of us who have a home and stable structured life.

Regarding the conduct of the police (with public support and expectations upon them), who gives most trouble a few desperate beggars or the night-clubbers at 2am who flood onto our streets full of alcohol and other drugs, but have homes and jobs?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, where has all our compassion gone?

SIMON M TURK

Canal Walk