CORRESPONDENTS who attempt to blame all the evils of society on the current government forget one thing. The thugs and yobs of today are not four year olds, but 14, 16, 18 and 21-year-olds.

They are the Thatcher children reaching maturity: a generation brought up on self and selfishness.

Margaret Thatcher's attempt to create a welfare-dependent, cheap labour force has backfired spectacularly, leading to the acute skills shortage we see today and a generation of semi-illiterate young adults.

It will take a new generation growing up with jobs, with apprenticeships, with hope and vision for the future before society's attitude begins to change for the better.

JAMES CUNLIFFE, Faraday Street, Burnley.