I ATTENDED the "Welcome Asylum Seekers" in Darwen (LET, March 19). My main purpose for this was to understand why they are here. While there, I heard stories of torture and oppression.

But what we must not forget is that although we are a civilised and tolerant country, we, too, have problems. These range from care homes closing, domestic violence and children who are abused and tortured in their own homes every day.

The NHS is struggling on what little money it has. Criminals are let off with a slap on the wrist.

So our country is not all milk and honey and the problems we have need addressing.

I was led to believe that the meeting was not a political one, but on several occasions the British National Party was mentioned. These problems existed long before the BNP came to town.

So, councillors, the unrest and bitter feelings towards asylum seekers are not down to the BNP, but down to you not practising the phrase 'Charity begins at home.'

C WARING, Highercroft Road, Lower Darwen, Blackburn.