REGARDING Supt M Barton's response to criticism of police handling of vandalism in Hoghton, and their poor response to appeals for help from shopkeeper Mr P Bretherton who, in sheer desperation, injured one of a gang of stone-throwing youths and as a result, was charged with assault, the only people to come out of this incident with honour were the Chorley magistrates.

They took into consideration that Mr Bretherton had previously appealed to the police for assistance, and the fact that at the time of the trouble Mr Bretherton was looking after his terminally-ill father.

The magistrates showed commendable common sense and compassion for Mr Bretherton's circumstances by only giving him a three months' conditional discharge.

Supt Barton showed breathtaking naivety to suggest it was up to residents to try and sort the problems out between themselves and stated that the local people should speak to the parents of these children.

This would be a foolhardy act and not advisable in view of the irresponsible acts of these children.

JOHN EDDLESTON, Brownhill Road, Blackburn.