WHILE shopping in Bury precinct I couldn't fail to notice the beggars, more reminiscent of a Third World country, who are prepared to sit and wait for handouts.

It is not a matter of being uncaring, or lacking in sympathy, but I can't help feeling that some of these young people could handle their lifestyle in a more constructive way in order to get the start they need. There are people who have lived on the breadline who, through their own initiative, have clawed their way back to become useful members of society without resorting to begging.

It is one thing to busk, they do attempt to give some pleasure, but do we really need beggars while we have a social security system?

K. SOWERBUTTS