Letter: Street shame

Apart from the tram works and associated mayhem, there is another badge of shame on the streets of Edinburgh.

I am sick and tired of being asked for spare change by professional street beggars. I saw one with a very young puppy on his lap and notice the majority of these beggars now use dogs for the sympathy prop.

Social security works to keep genuine people out of real poverty, so are these people trying to say they need more money? Homeless charities exist to help genuine homeless people, so do these beggars mean the charities are not working? Of course not.

The council and police must put a stop to this behaviour. As long as people give them cash, they will return.

ALISON ADAMSON-ROSS

Deanswood Park

Livingston