BRIAN Derbyshire is right to point out the issue of youngsters who seem to be calling the shots out on the streets.

Sadly, many of these youngsters are out on the streets because there is little to keep them contented in their homes. I have yet to come across a youngster who is "being a pain" on the streets, who doesn't look miserable, fed up, lonely, or empty of feeling.

That doesn't excuse the behaviour of course.

One thing that rarely gets menitoned nowadays is "consequences" - that any action has a consequence for somebody, be it good or bad. Perhaps we need to look at tougher legislation that puts the consequences of actions, such as have been reported recently in the B.E.N., squarely onto the adults in charge of these young people. That instead of seeing these youngsters out on the streets, sometimes only minutes after being "collared" for anti-social behaviour, the parents keep them indoors while they correct, discipline and LOVE their children into behaving in a reasonable manner outside. Too many parents appear to have their own agenda, and don't have the time or inclination to put their offspring first. They DO come first, and second, and third and............. and that is the message that needs to come from the top, from those with the authority to change legislations, and the lives of the people they serve.

Graham Cook

Dunsop Drive

Bolton