DEAR Editor,-
We appeal to all residents and shoppers, who ‘think’ they are doing a good deed by donating to beggars at the Abingdon Spar and JTV Corner to please reconsider and stop doing this. Once again problems are developing around the shopping centre, residential and library areas.
Residents previously had to have the ‘crutch beggar’ and his gang removed and now that he is back, the group of beggars are on the increase again, making their home under the trees on the opposite side of the road.
People give donations and feel that they ‘have done a good deed for the day’ without realising the effect it has on those living and working in the area.
The reason he keeps coming back is the great support and lucrative donations received from Tweni residents and shoppers, who are unaware of the problems this causes to businesses and the centre.
People need to know that they are aiding and abetting beggars and drunkards, some of whom are aggressive and dangerous. This ‘old beggar’ exposes himself, defecates and urinates in full view, without any consideration for residents or passers-by.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that he draws others of like nature into joining and uses them to go and buy his booze, because he is banned from the bottle store.
The bottle store has really tried to stop these beggars from coming in to buy alcohol, but they just pay other people to purchase on their behalf. A little while ago, he entered the bottle store early while there was a woman cashier serving and, when she tried to get him to leave, he defecated all over the store floor and carpark, which then had to be cleaned up by staff.
He has previously been removed and taken to a home, cleaned up, fed and given a bedroom for a few daily chores in return, but he left because he was not getting his daily supply of alcohol. He told people he gets far more money begging on street corners and the dirtier he is, the more people pity him.
Nobody would have a problem if he actually used the proceeds on food or clothing, but he is only interested in alcohol and sells anything donated to buy it.
CONCERNED TWENI RESIDENTS
