PETER Johnston's letter headlined "Prosecuting prostitutes is not cost effective" (The Bolton News, March 29), raises an interesting concept with regard to the problem.

I have no argument with his figures, however his argument falls short of addressing the whole problem, in so far as it does not include the current cost of doing nothing and continuing to steer the course we seem to be on.

The collateral costs must be enormous - policing time, health screening, free issues of condoms and needles, funding charities, staffing costs for "support" agencies, destruction of affected communities and families who live there and much more, to highlight a few.

It would seem that the economist in the Home Office Mr Johnston highlights may well not have heard of the concept of investing to save.

If they get really clever and divert some of the enormous current expenditure towards the enforcement agencies, which would be in accord with the emerging mindset of a growing number of citizens, the overall exchequer calculations may balance.

Peter also raises a very interesting point with regard to the now titled, "do gooders". For a number of years as individuals and organisations they have arrogantly assumed the high moral ground. Now that others of a different opinion are emerging and occupying the same ground, they need to give up some of their territory and consider the harm they perpetuate as well as the undoubted good they do.

Walter Scott, Bromwich Street, Bolton