ONCE more the generosity of the general public has resulted in a record total for the Children in Need Appeal - a very worthy means of improving the lives of underprivileged children.

There are, however, other children's needs that are not being met. There are many children in the Fearnhead and Cinnamon Brow area who need a great deal more parental control and police action.

Having recently been the victim of vandals and suffered several hundred pounds worth of damage at the hands of a gang of approximately 10 children roaming the district, we informed the police and were given an incident number. We followed the gang and telephoned the police station on two other occasions to report precisely where the gang where and what further vandalism they were carrying out. The vandals involved, at a guess, ranged in age from 15 years down to 10 years. We have not been visited by the police officer we were promised, but have received an official but negative letter.

We have spoken to many residents in the area who have suffered similar damage to their property. We know of walls being pushed over, lights damaged, cars being stoned and stood upon, plants uprooted, plant pots being smashed, fences being dismantled and burnt and windows broken. Some take the view that to confront the vandals or to report the damage to the police will invite further targeting with no police action. It is ironic that the incident described occurred shortly before I read in the Guardian under the heading 'More bobbies on the beat' that 'police are encouraging residents to report all cases of criminal activity to them, to help them in managing incidents'.

Apparently gangs can roam the neighbourhood and damage whatever they choose, abuse whoever they choose, with complete immunity because of public fear of reprisals and police inactivity. Given that such anarchy prevails, it would be interesting to know what those charged with responsibility for law and order, and the safety of public and private property, are prepared to do to help Adults in Need.

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