Rough Sleepers/Beggars in Stafford.

andy w

Well-Known Forumite
This might be a difficult subject to discuss.
Walking around town in the evening I have noticed a couple of rough sleepers tucked away in quiet doorways but I also see a few beggars down the main street asking for money.
What I worry about that there are people who need help but others who need to be moved on. The problem is how do you discriminate between the two groups?
 

cj1

Well-Known Forumite
they all need to be moved on. the help is there for those in genuine need. a door way is not a fit place for anybody to sleep in 21 century britain.
 

Withnail

Well-Known Forumite
What I worry about (is) that there are people who need help but others who need to be moved on. The problem is how do you discriminate between the two groups?
How do you discriminate...

Perhaps suggest a local Referendum - vote Leave or Remain - based upon very little information about the specifics of whether the person in question really 'needs' help, or whether they are actually a parasitic sub-human leech, like the sort of person i read about in the Mail?

That should sort the Men from the Boys, the Sheep from the Goats, the Wheat from the Chaff, the Swan from the Greggs, etc etc...
 

andy w

Well-Known Forumite
So turn a blind eye and allow the situation to escalate?
As I said in my first post this is a difficult issue to talk about and you only need to read through the previous thread to see how sensitive it is. It is pretty obvious that there are a number who need help and it makes you wonder if they are getting that help. My heart goes out to those who are sleeping rough but have to admit I have little sympathy for those who pitch themselves up on the main drag and beg for money. I'm sure my opinion offends some on here but that is what it is.
 

gilbert grape

Well-Known Forumite
I sympathise with anybody who has genuinely found themselves in such a situation. However, you have to decide yourself who, of anybody, you would try to help. Some of them obviously know how to use the conscience approach as they plant themselves outside food outlets or cashpoints!
 

John Marwood

I ♥ cryptic crosswords
I sympathise with anybody who has genuinely found themselves in such a situation. However, you have to decide yourself who, of anybody, you would try to help. Some of them obviously know how to use the conscience approach as they plant themselves outside food outlets or cashpoints!

So not much really then
 

Gareth

Well-Known Forumite
Not sure the staff of Pickering Butters on the high street would have much sympathy this morning.

a very small entrance to the building was blocked by 2 men with tennants super in each hand and cans all over the place. The older one then got his dick out and pissed on the wall. This at 8.15 this morning. This man is regularly spoken to by police

would put me off shopping here and setting up a town centre business. Outrageous- mental health, just another excuse for some
 

ATJ

Well-Known Forumite
I can't imagine a homeless alcoholic with nowhere to go but a doorway will be in the best of mental states.
 

bunique

Well-Known Forumite
Was in Birmingham on Friday and couldn't believe how many rough sleepers there were. It reminded me of being in London in the early 90s. Very sad to see a return to those days
 
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