This morning walking down Poole High Street, on the coldest day of the year, we came across a gentleman huddled on the pavement.

He was not affected by either alcohol or drugs, just a gentleman probably in his 60s who had fallen on hard times.

The only assistance we could offer was a cup of coffee and something to eat. However we found it incredible that in one of the richest countries in the world we allow our citizens to suffer in this way. We know there is a housing and population problem, but surely this won't be solved by freezing our old people to death.

VALERIE CAHILL

High Street, West Moors