SO CHRISTMAS comes early to Stockton Heath! We refer to the article in the Guardian "Rid the village of these beggars" and are saddened to read how the police and parish councillors are asking shoppers not to buy food for "beggars", fearing that the leafy suburbs will become a haven for such people! They particularly mention the lad who sits outside the Forge Shopping Centre. We are pleased to see that some people have a more caring attitude to others less fortunate than themselves. Are we to stop buying the Big Issue as well? What an unchristian attitude at this Christian time of year!

Gloria and Tony Jefferson

Appleton