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Drugs mean beggars turned away from Bolton church

10/05/2007

Canon Michael Williams, the vicar of Bolton, has announced that he is turning beggars away empty-handed because of concerns about drugs.

Until recently, the vicarage at Bolton Parish Church was visited by around ten beggars every day who were provided with money and staple foodstuffs such as milk and bread.

However, Canon Williams has now discovered that much of the food was thrown away and the cash used to purchase drugs and alcohol. The church grounds have also been littered with used needles, reports Bolton News.

"I'm not happy to have to say no, but we just can't tell who is in genuine need," he said.

Instead, the Canon Williams has resolved to make donations to charity.

Commenting on the vicar's decision, Jane Hugo, a manager at Streetlife, told the newspaper: "We would advise volunteers and members of the public not to give money directly to beggars.

"If you give to an established charity then the money goes to help people, not harm them."

In a recent interview with the Independent, John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, said he does not give to beggars because he wants them to move out of begging and homelessness.



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