Aggressive begging and soliciting money by deception is illegal.

I would say that having my conversation interrupted by strategically placed "charity" collectors in the North Laine does nothing to help the shops, me or our local economy.

While I am planning a route to bypass them or having to fend them off politely, I am not going to stop at any of the shops near to where they are.

How sad for those who could really use my financial help that these sparky egos with clipboards spoil their chances.

To see a charity helping directly, visit Emmaus in Mile Oak and you'll be dumbstruck - and you won't see a single clipboard.

-D de la Hoyde, Brighton