Once again the Argus reports how another family is forced to move home because of "yobbish" behaviour.

The lack of respect for law and order - and society generally - appears to be sinking to ever deepening levels.

This demise began with the ending of capital punishment, subsequently the ending of corporal punishment in schools and even the challenge to a parent's right to smack children has contributed to this downward spiral.

As society degenerates, freedom becomes worthless.

What is to be done?

In the early Eighties, the Thatcher government addressed and finally ended two decades of mindless militancy from irresponsible elements within the trade union movement.

Is it not time for similar resolve to be shown to crime?

We need more police with real powers.

If necessary, we must review the European laws which seem to take precedence over British law.

In certain areas I, for one, would welcome a reduction in civil liberty if it meant the authorities could confront and subsequently punish criminals.

Why should criminals have rights?

All over the city, posters have appeared encouraging people to defy court injuncions.

The Argus carried a report about a phone kiosk being removed because it was a hotline for drug dealers. Yet no arrests were made when the dealers delivered their poison.

The time for action has long passed. If we do not act, British streets will resemble the East End of London in the 19th Century.

No doubt the politically correct will cringe at such a suggestion. But if this trend continues, free society will mean mob rule in all neighbourhoods.

-Richard J. Szypulski, Brighton