Most people will welcome plans to clamp down on bogus sellers of The Big Issue (The Argus, June 5).

The Big Issue initiative has been a huge success in raising awareness of homeless people while enabling some in that position to do something for their own self-respect.

Sadly, however, a minority of vendors have brought shame on those who are genuinely trying to make ends meet.

The aggressive attitude and forthright approach of a few has led to a disillusionment with the scheme.

Many people I know will no longer give any money, considering the vendors to be little better than those who simply sit and beg.

By cleaning up its act, The Big Issue should, and deserves to, last for a long time to come.

Unless, of course, Tony Blair gets his head out of the sand and admits there is a real problem, makes resources available and actually tackles the root cause of homelessness.

-David Gold, Kemp Town