I AM one of many people in Lancaster who was extremely shocked by the language and message that the Citizen sent out to the public about gay men and cottaging.

This letter is a genuine expression of hurt. Normally I would just stop buying the newspaper and assume that the article that offended me was intended for another audience but the Citizen is free and delivered to all - and that means that when I read material which is prejudiced I feel abused.

I also share the sentiments of those that are offended or intimidated by being exposed to other people engaging in sexual acts in unexpected places but I feel that the article used the reactions of those people who were exposed in this way to legitimise its homophobic slant on cottaging.

It is well-known that some people choose to have sex in public places but this is the case for heterosexuals and lesbians as well as gay men. And there are those people who do like to watch others performing sexual acts and pornography and lap-dancing clubs exist for them to 'gratify' their needs.

My point is that people are very different in their needs, beliefs and desires and we cannot start inciting hatred or prejudice against one small section of the population without at least trying to under-stand their needs and beliefs.

I ask you to exercise balance and to give informed coverage in all your articles, especially since for some of your readers the views expressed in your paper may well be the only exposure they get to people with diverse sexual orientations.

I also read your column Citizen Smith the following week, which responded to the 'politically correct police' with more ill-informed and bigoted rhetoric. Balanced and well-informed views on everything should be the least we can expect.

Alice Winkelman, Lancaster.