Beggars

Hello. Thursday night I had to go to the railway station to pick my son up on his return from London. I arrived a half hour too early, so I decided to have a walk around the place. I could not believe in that short time I was "tapped up" by beggars twice. I don't know whether it's me being old fashioned or just out of touch but I did not realise this sort of thing was still going on in our city. After that I decided to return to my car and lock the doors. Has anyone had this happen to them and what is your view on this?

Hi Norm, Yes, & often. B'ham New St is the worst around here by far in my experience for beggars. The UK, apart from state welfare, has charities that are dedicated to helping those most in need. They have trained counsellors who recognise the signs of need, over & above a beggars plead, that may be for inappropriate purposes, which sadly it usually is.

There have been beggars in Coventry since at least 1989. Used to be proper 'bag ladies' back then as well, pushing trolleys around full of stuff.

Morning all, Back when I was a working girl I used to use the underpass in Broadgate, under the clock, and was confronted by a young lad around ten years old asked me for some money for a bus home. I forget now how much it was but I gave him more than enough. Then blow me down he was there again next day asking someone else. I didn't say anything at the time but looked out for him again. Quite a little enterprise going I would say. I often wonder what he is doing now.

I think beggars have always been a part of most cities. When I first came to Coventry there was a bloke in the city centre who used to ask for money (though not as politely as that) and then try to hit you with his stick if you didn't give him any.

Hi everyone, They hang around here too, mainly round the bus and train stations, trying to catch an unaware tourist or visitor, a bit of logic in that I suppose!!!!!

Oh well, maybe the lad had several homes to go home to

Old Lincolnian has it right, they're a part of life. I remember it being very bad in the mid 70's in Pool Meadow when you were waiting for a bus on a Sunday morning. If it wasn't someone begging for cash, it was some religious crank, trying to convert you to whatever.