SIR — I was somewhat intrigued by an article on your front page last week regarding the removal of four beggars from the High Street.

Why only four?

The company I work for moved to Swanwick and I relocated to Winchester some 18 months ago.

I chose Winchester because it is a charming city with excellent pubs, restaurants, schools and is generally a nice place to live.

What I did not realise was the problem Winchester has with beggars.

I regularly travel to all parts of the country and without any doubt Winchester has an unrivalled problem with begging in and around the High Street.

Friends who come to visit me are shocked that such a nice city is plagued in this way.

Why does Winchester City Council and the police allow this to happen?

The passageway between the two Cornish pasty shops is a particular hot spot at all times of the day and night.

Come on Winchester authorities — do something about it! Vince Wyre, St Peter Street, Winchester.