Further to the Fred Shawcross column about bad behaviour today, I agree wholeheartedly.

Bad behaviour rises to the level at which it is tolerated and we have become a very soft nation. Too many children are growing up without the benefit of good discipline and are turning into badly behaved adults.

The "no smacking do-gooders" have a lot to answer for and so have the politicians and judges who have pandered to their doctrine. Everyone understands the difference between a timely slap and abuse.

In schools we now have children as young as five and six years refusing to do as they are told and telling adults that their parents will sue if they are touched. They know there is no punishment that can hurt.

I had the misfortune to witness a group of 14-year-old girls in Horwich last week kicking another young girl while she was on the ground. That would have been unheard of 20 years ago, especially from girls that age.

A less serious example was in the cinema recently. A group of 12 and 13 year olds were not interested in the film and were causing a nuisance. They did not respond to requests to be quiet. An attendant was called - a lad of about 20 who had clearly been instructed not to touch customers. They knew it and refused to budge. A man nearby took the ringleader firmly by the arm and led him out. The rest followed. That is how things used to be done. Today adults are normally afraid to take such action for fear of "infringing human rights" and ending up in trouble. As a result you cannot ride on a bus during school times without suffering appalling behaviour and bad language. Adults are now afraid of tackling youngsters.

The problem needs treating at source - in childhood, by parents and by schools. We need a return to punishments which will ensure that children respect adults. Most children are, of course, decently brought up and suffer from this situation as much as the rest of us. They, and the vast majority of the public, understand what is needed and would support any moves to reverse this worsening situation.

I know it's not the only cause.

TV and the break up of families contribute to the problem but this is an important factor which we can do something about.

Give us politicians of whatever creed or colour, who will ensure a return to the more enlightened times of twenty years ago. They will get my vote.

"Spare the rod and encourage the mob".

Name and address supplied.