Readers' letters: 'Poverty and crime among the young'

Growing up in a city in the 1950s, there were gangs.

However, people knew each other, relatives lived nearby and community disapproval was a weapon of social control.

There wasn’t so much fear of crime then and drugs were not so prevalent.

But communities were destroyed in the 1960s.

It is another world today, with people always on the move and hardly knowing their neighbours.

People are more fearful of crime than ever.

The structural arrangements of society do not give every young person a fair chance in life.

Poverty and deprivation are sources of crime and it is a bleak future ahead for some if they are not given the right help and support.

I recently read an article, Working Class White Boys Bottom of the Pile, with 40 per cent of them less likely to go to university.

Some do not have role models at home. Who do they turn to for education?

Teachers do work hard and the fault does not lie with them. We need more trades and jobs for young people and adults.

Employers should stop harping on about limited education skills of some young people and give them a chance with on-the-job training.

Lots of good work goes on regarding helping people, but cities have regenerated and prospered while some towns have been neglected.

The divide between the rich and poor is still with us.

Name and address supplied

world war

Excuse me if I don’t take part

I clearly remember my father, who was wounded in the First World War, saying, “There is going to be another war”.

I remember the searchlights, the anti-aircraft guns, collecting shrapnel, the dogfights and the refugees.

I remember the VE Day bonfire and VJ Day.

I remember the ‘Welcome home’ signs on house doors.

I welcomed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community uniting these French and German industries, recognising that it would make another war in Europe less likely.

I welcomed its expansion, affording us the opportunity of living in harmony with all our European neighbours.

Have a celebration on VE Day but excuse me if I do not take part.

I will have a quiet prayer of thankfulness on that day to mark the closing of a chapter in the book of world conflict.

John Laird

Address supplied

politics

Best of Bolsover

Sorry for taking so long to put pen to paper about the best of the MPs. Dennis Skinner, with his quips in the House of Commons, was a very good left-wing MP. I always looked for Dennis (the Best of Bolsover) on TV.

When I saw him, it put me in a very happy mood. Watching the Commons is not the same now.

Max Hey

Address supplied