corporal punishment in our schools? A CALL for the return of corporal punishment in schools has been backed by Bolton folk - except for those young enough to be on the receiving end. As reported in the BEN last night, prospective parliamentary Tory candidate Robert Wilson has called for the return of corporal punishment, which was abolished in 1986. Mr Wilson, who will be fighting to keep Bolton North-east Conservative at the next election, suggested that selected, trained teachers could hand out the punishment. The BEN went on the streets to ask the public what they thought of the controversial idea. And we found that opinions were split on the basis of age.

But one person wanted to go further and bring back the BIRCH, instead of the cane or strap.

Although younger people were against the idea, older ones were all in favour. And most thought that ANY teacher should be able to administer corporal punishment.

But - even assuming that corporal punishment was brought back against their wishes - younger people educated since it was abolished, thought that only one person should be responsible for the job, as advocated by Mr Wilson.

Arthur Cornes, of Bury Road, said: "I would agree with its return. Discipline has fallen since it was banned in schools.

"It all starts at home with parents but teachers should be able to impose discipline."

Arthur, who was educated at schools on Church Road and Whitecroft Road, said that each teacher should have individual discretion when it comes to corporal punishment.

Lostock newsagent Tom Thomson, who went to school at St Mary's in Astley, supported the return of the cane: "Discipline has been falling for years. I think any teacher can take care of corporal punishment." Wilfred Farrington, of Westminster Road, Astley Bridge, said: "Get on with it. Youngsters have no discipline or respect for their elders. I had it and learned a lesson or two."

Wilfred said that a lack of corporal punishment was the reason why young people had no respect for police.

Mother of three Kelly Nixon, of Castle Street, said: "I think some children have a bad attitude. They do not show enough respect and get away with a lot more these days.

"Discipline is a big problem and some young people think they have a right to do anything." She said all teachers should be responsible for corporal punishment.

But Andrea Thompson, of Manchester Road, Burnden, was opposed.

The former Westhoughton High pupil said: "It was not used at my school. The way a child is brought up by parents is very important, it all starts at home."

Marcia Sofield, from Milnrow, said corporal punishment was used at her school: "It doesn't do any harm if you catch them early enough. I think wrongdoing should be punished immediately, by the teacher there at the time."

Marcia said the birch would not be too harsh for youngsters who are often in trouble or for those who commit serious offences.

But student Michael Winnard, of Quakerfields, Westhoughton, disagreed. He said: "I would rather not have it.

"Young people wouldn't be in so much trouble if there were more opportunities for them.

"Corporal punishment was not used during my time at school which suited me."

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