JOHN Street (Letters, December 4) was rather scathing about the comments of Mrs Gladys Robinson who questioned the rights of gays to adopt children.

The majority would agree with her whereas Mr Street's view represents a small but vocal minority.

Most people have no problem with gays. It is entirely a matter for them how they choose to live.

But I do not agree that they should be allowed to adopt a child. their lifestyle and sexuality would preclude such a close relationship in my view. The privilege of adopting a child should be within the normal family relationship.

We are discussing the moral welfare of another human being, with the same sensitivities and vulnerabilities as you or I. Insufficient consideration has been given to these factors, which I consider of paramount importance.

This newspaper highlighted the shortcomings of Lancashire Social Services, when on two occasions Home Office inspectors found serious failings in the manner in which they dealt with children at risk; by their failure to make sufficient home visits.

Now we have these self-same people demanding that gays be allowed to adopt children; when they are failing children at risk. Such audacity is breath taking.

JOHN EDDLESTON, Brownhill Road, Blackburn.