IT is good to see Coun Sue Sunderland is not putting our money to waste. The unfortunates have a warm bed for the night and a nice man to look after their alcohol and drugs until another hard day's graft on York's streets (It is our legal duty and moral duty to help the city's homeless, Letters, February 12).

These are the same beggars seen around York, by cash machines, along the tourist trails. Three were spotted obstructing the footpath, plastic beaker in hand, between the railway station and Skeldergate Bridge, of which one was so spaced out he wouldn't know Jorvik from Yorkatt.

Come on councillor, remove your rose-tinted glasses, this is not Mary Poppins. The professional beggars are just looking towards the next fix of alcohol or drugs, contacting a dealer and adding to the ever-increasing drug problem.

The police don't want them, the tourists don't want them and the public don't want them.

I for one object to money being spent on the Arc Light centre.

What incentive is there for them to help themselves while it remains open?

Instead give them legal and moral guidance to get off drink and drugs and become self-sufficient.

RD Watson,

Elmfield Terrace,

Malton Road, York.

Updated: 10:05 Monday, February 16, 2004