PETER Johnston is an individual who is not afraid to stand up and be counted.

If he was to stop writing letters to the Bolton Evening News, his comments would be sorely missed on these pages.

His letters are always interesting, sometimes irksome, but always thought provoking. They almost demand a response!

In his latest letter, Peter joins in on the spat between Cllrs Andy Morgan and Roger Hayes, on whether it is best to send young offenders to prison, or Young Offenders' Institutions, or whether they should be sent on training courses that fit the crime.

Peter points out that many people -- and in particular victims of crime -- might well be angered if the perpetrators were awarded go-karting sessions and training in car maintenance, instead of the punishment they deserve. However, he says that young offenders re-offend less often using these methods, than they do when punished in the more conventional way.

Peter says because he knows how it feels to be a victim of crime -- having been a victim several times -- he favours the scheme that actually reduces the crime rate most.

It would seem to me that a compromise is called for. Why not punish the young criminals initially for the crime committed, with a stint in a harsh institution -- not the holiday camps they seem to enjoy these days. After they have served their stint, they could then be sent on the courses that seem to rehabilitate them the best and help reduce the crime rate.

Of course, when we have Academy Schools that actually teach children what they need to know in order to get a decent job, and, of course, when there are decent jobs for young people to get when they leave school, things should definitely change for the better.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton