I have written to Councillor Alan McCarthy, of Brighton and Hove City Council, asking him to reconsider his proposal to close St Patrick's night shelter.

Having worked as a volunteer at St Anne's Convent and on the soup run for a number of years when I lived in Hove, I can speak as someone who has rubbed shoulders with many homeless people.

My particular interest was discharged prisoners who, having paid their debt to society, needed a bed, a wash and breakfast - not to mention the fact they needed to feel someone cared for them.

I am well aware of the financial implications involved but, having watched the shelter's development and the profound effect a shelter of this nature has upon those who use it, I feel very strongly it would be wrong to close its doors on those in most dire need.

-Paula Gould, Steyning