Beggars receive a mixed reaction

There was a mixed reaction to the increase in beggars, ‘chuggers’ and street musicians from a section of the Perth public.

Bert Kidd, who was collecting money for the Salvation Army in Perth’s High Street, said he wouldn’t condemn people begging but feels many of those doing so are “not really homeless”.

“If people don’t want to give them money then they don’t have to,” he said.

“One of the guys who begs near here came up today and asked me if he could buy me a can of juice, so there is kindness there.

“Personally, I see no harm in them but the likes of the chuggers can be annoying. The police could come in and move them on but I feel they are busy enough.”

Meanwhile, Moira Pritchard, of Perth, feels public bodies could possibly do more to help the likes of street beggars.

“There seems to be no self-help which suggests some of these people should be getting more help from the authorities,” she said.

Martine Jacquemin, who works in Provender Brown delicatessen in Perth, said she has noticed an increase in the amount of people begging in the city centre but feels they don’t cause any harm.

“I pass a few of them on my way to work in the morning and they always say ‘hello’ and wish me a good day,” she said.

“I see lots of people talking to them and don’t see them as a problem.”

The likes of the chuggers can be annoying

Pictures: Dougie Nicolson. Some people don’t see people begging as a problem.