THE increasing use of violence in society is now truly frightening and we have to consider the options open to us if we wish to put an end to it.

The arguments both for and against corporal and capital punishment are numerous and usually inconclusive.

Statistics are often quoted by those who are against the use of cane, birch and rope. But if you are the victim of physical attack in the street or in your home, statistics will not help.

The policy of non-violent punishment for violent offenders has failed and can be clearly seen to have failed.

It is now necessary to have 'secure' schools. It is now necessary to avoid some areas after dark and even some in daylight.

And it is now time, tragically too late for some, for us to restore the use of physical rather than custodial deterrent and punishment.

Society has the right to protect itself and parliament has the duty to permit us to exercise that right within the law.

They who mercilessly inflict pain, fear, anguish and death upon others must fully understand that if they are found guilty and sane, they can expect nothing less in return.

RAYMOND NICHOLSON, Birch Hall, Darwen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.