IN reply to the recent article about Woolfield Hostel in Wash Lane, Bury, and its effect on local businesses, can I say that we are not all screaming junkies, although some here do have drug problems which are being addressed.

Basically we are homeless, through no fault of our own. Because we live in a hostel it does not make us criminals, and those that do abuse the system are sorted out by the residents themselves.

As for the statement that the police are here every day, that is totally untrue. Yes they do sometimes arrest people here but we resent the insinuation that we are all junkies and criminals. I do take drugs, but only when my finances allow and I do not steal to get them.

Those around here who criticise these hostels should consider that many people also take "drugs" every day, in the form of nicotine, caffeine and alcohol. In some extreme cases these drugs can have the same effect as illegal drugs. Perhaps people should think about that before judging others.

Of course, we recognise that there are elements of our life, such as our homelessness or jobless status, which are responsible for us getting judged wrongly. But we need help, not vilifying by the general public who, in doing so, simply add to our problems.

As the police said, there is no evidence that any of the homes or businesses mentioned had been robbed by residents of local hostels, so please stop blaming them for all the criminal activity in the area. Believe it or not, we do respect other people's property and the way they choose to lead their lives. All we ask is that others respect our choice, and do not condemn us for it.

HOSTEL RESIDENT