MY thanks to Jane Knowles of Barnards Green for clarifying the reality of her on-going generosity, and that of her fellow traders, to local vulnerable people and groups (February 13).

So, yes, we are on the same side and my sincere apologies for linking you with, what is in my view, a shameful Co-Operative company policy that, in effect, presumably forbids employees from offering even a simple kindness.

The response from Mr Green, however, and the reasoning behind his comments, I find utterly astonishing.

Of course, the Co-op is not a charity shop! Neither would I expect the other local retail traders to be. In contrast to the supermarket, however, they do demonstrate that making a profit in business doesn't exclude being charitable.

Selling the Big Issue is a job, worthy of our respect, but does Mr Green really think that the money this lady earns, including additional benefits (his assumption), means that she can easily go into the café and pay for her own hot drink?

The sale of five copies that morning would have barely covered her travelling expenses to Malvern.

So, sadly, I think Mr Green has completely missed the point.

Tricia Fouque

Cradley