I DON'T believe that the tone of the debate about Ryelands in last week's Housing Policy Committee was as negative as your headline implies.

Cllrs Shuttleworth and Wilson did, as Julie Seddon reported, voiced some doubts but both voted for the proposal to support the bid to the Single Regeneration Budget.

Surely everyone must recognise that, as far as Ryelands is concerned, doing nothing is not an option. Ryelands has some severe and well publicised problems. However, the majority of the residents are decent law abiding citizens who are stigmatised because of the actions of an anti-social minority. In spite of all the difficulties there is a community spirit and some residents work hard to give their estate a bit of hope; they deserve support. Although it is by now a political cliche to talk about being "tough on crime and the cause of crime," I am sure that this is exactly the right approach for Ryelands. This is precisely what the SRB bid is designed to achieve. It's not just about tackling criminal and anti-social behaviour when it occurs, its about providing hope and opportunity for young people so criminal behaviour is averted. It's not just about improving estate security, its also about raising self esteem. What we cannot do is either to pretend there is no problem or to despair of finding a solution. I believe a successful SRB bid could make a difference - it must be worth trying.

Cllr Ian Barker

Lanacaster Council

Of course it's worth trying but I believe the councillors who raised objections wanted action specifically against the anti-social minority you speak of - there's no point toning the skin and failing to remove the cancer lurking beneath the surface is there? - Ed.

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