City beggars could make other choices

I WASN’T surprised to read in Monday’s Tele about the beggars in Dundee’s Perth Road.

I was on a night out at Dundee Rep one Friday recently and the walk from the theatre to Union Street, at around 9.30pm, saw us passing a beggar at what felt like every few steps.

As some points we actually had to step around them as their legs, blankets and belongings stretched into the middle of the pavement.

Even if I wanted to give financial help to these people, I just couldn’t afford to — there are too many. How would I choose who to help? I do have compassion for people whose lives have fallen apart and who find themselves on the streets.

But I fail to understand when the thought of begging becomes a good one. There are other options. I work hard for my cash — and I do support charities of my choice when I know I can afford to do so.

I really hate having others shove their misfortune — some if which is down to their own mismanagement of their lives — in my face and attempt to make me feel guilty for walking by.

I would always try to help someone who is trying to help themselves.

Sitting huddled in a dirty blanket on a busy city street and looking pathetic doesn’t come under that category.

Something needs to be done to clean the streets up.

Maybe more shelters need to built — though I also read that shelters often aren’t used due to the risk of violence or theft. So better security is obviously needed there too.

There are folks out and about offering food and soup and support.

These beggars should be moved away from the main streets.

I would be embarrassed to walk through the city with a visitor and hate that begging is becoming the norm and to be expected.

Help yourself.