I READ the recent news feature -- "Canvassers: the shoppers' pest".

As far as I am aware, these canvassers only work in a small section of the town centre. Again, from my own experience, a polite "no thank you" is usually enough to let them know you are not interested in what they have to offer.

I must admit, however, that these days we are less likely to be approached than we once were. As the saying goes -- "Everything comes to those who wait."

But, seriously, are we so wrapped up in ourselves that we cannot spare a single minute of our precious time to say "no thank you" to someone who is simply trying to earn a living? Don't these people deserve just a little respect for trying to do a job most of us wouldn't like to do? It cannot be easy for them standing on the street all day, in all weathers, being ignored by the majority they approach, being verbally abused, no doubt, by some, and then being called the shoppers' pest in the local paper.

Give them a break! It costs nothing to be nice, even if you are in a hurry, or when the baby is waiting to be fed.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton