IT is with despair I write to your column regarding the youth of today and the lack of commitment and interest from Members of Parliament to deal with this serious problem.

This Government came to power claiming they had all the answers to crime and yet six years have passed and the situation has deteriorated so far that crime is almost out of control. This crisis is growing through weak and useless laws leaving the police almost powerless to deal with the lawbreakers and their irresponsible parents.

The latest announcement is to issue yellow cards and fines of £80. These louts will have a field day notching up the cards while their parents are paying the fines, but, more disturbing, they will still be out on our streets committing more crimes.

Maybe if Dr Iddon, MP for our area, could make the first move, we might get some strong deterrents and harsher punishments to protect the law-abiding people and their rights.

Until then, I'm afraid this country will sink even lower.

Christine Adams

Brook Street

Farnworth