Like all Sussex towns, Eastbourne has its share of teenage yobs and vandals but the authorities and the public have vastly different ideas on what the punishments should be.

Eastbourne police have launched Operation Blitz (The Argus, April 9) against anti-social behaviour and say they will "deal robustly" with offenders.

In years gone by this would have meant a spell in borstal, which would have left the offenders severely chastened but what does it mean today?

The police say letters will be sent to the parents. That should teach them a lesson.

And if their children continue to offend after three letters have been sent they will be "invited" to attend a meeting with the police. I can hear their knees trembling already.

I say bring back the borstals. I'm sure many people will agree.

  • Ted Leacock, Windermere Crescent, Eastbourne