CRITICISING railway companies, Southern and Govia Thameslink in particular, has become the most popular participatory sport in England, often for good reasons, including “forgetting” that Preston Park and London Road stations exist.

But last week Govia Thameslink came in for some unfair criticism for putting up a sign at Brighton Station saying: “Please do not encourage beggars by giving them money.”

Those criticising Govia, as is often the case, confuse begging with homelessness. They are very different things. Begging is overwhelmingly associated with drug addiction.

There is no need to give money to rough sleepers for whom there are many services in Brighton and Hove providing food, showers and clothes.

There is no reason for the vast majority of rough sleepers to be hungry or dirty. First Base Day Centre, for example, provides showers, clean clothes and food for up to 100 rough sleepers each day. The exception is the very small minority whose mental ill health can prevent them from accessing services.

But please don’t give money to those who are in active addiction including those who say they need “£20 for a room in a hostel”. It is a great begging pitch but totally untrue. None of the city’s homeless hostels charge upfront.

If you want to help, support the charities behind the Make Change Count campaign who are helping people to move off the streets. Visit http://just.ly/makechangecount2018 or text donations saying UMCC18 £3, £5, or £10 to 70070.

Andy Winter is the chief executive of Brighton Housing Trust