well done Ed Perkins for putting into words what I feel about the Big Issue sellers (Opinion, May 4).

Never have I felt intimidated by any of them, and as for saying that “have a nice day” is sarcastic, this Americanism is commonplace wherever you go.

To those snobby people who are complaining, remember this: one of those young people out there could be, but for the grace of God, your own son or daughter.

And when you go home to your cosy, centrally-heated flat, they have nowhere to go except perhaps a bed in a hostel or a space underneath the pier in which to put their head down.

I cannot afford to buy the Big Issue every week but always acknowledge the sellers with a “no thanks” and a smile.

Doesn’t cost anything, does it?

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