What a shocking state exists in this country.

Successive governments have had the chance to stop the progression of vandalism and anti-social behaviour by allowing the proper punishment of young people. The situation has become untenable.

In Bournemouth, the finest beach huts in England have been set alight by teenagers who clearly were not brought up to regard people and property as sacrosanct. In Brighton, vandalism, litter and graffiti is out of hand.

The manners of young people (and their parents, who obviously were taught nothing by their parents) are deplorable. During 40 years in Brighton, I have never seen conditions so bad.

I am constantly faced on the pavement with cyclists and forced off the pavement by young and middle-aged, who obviously think that someone with white hair is of no consequence.

Rowdiness (which is also portrayed as the norm in street posters and TV ads) is distasteful. The antics of mothers and children in supermarkets shows how far we have fallen.

Members of Parliament, councillors and ministers do not walk the streets, as I do, and have no conception of what is going on. My conscience tells me I must vote.

But the Conservatives showed how easy it is for a party to swing the opposite way and the Thatcher Government reminded one of National Socialism.

Since the increase in pensions, life is much easier but money isn't everything and life has become difficult for the elderly. I would rather be poor and live in a decent community. What about the Liberal Democrats? Can they reverse the anti-social trend?

C Braithwaite, Eastern Road, Brighton

It matters

Are you fed up with the election already? Are you tired of reading about it in the Press? Tired of hearing about it on the radio and television? Are you wondering if, whoever is elected, anything will change? I know I am.

On election day, you will probably be weary and it will probably be raining. You will have far more interesting things to occupy your mind.

But, remember, over the years, thousands of men and women fought and died to secure our right to vote for our own Government. Don't let them down.

Please, please find the time, make the effort to go to that polling station and vote for someone.

-Yvonne Cheesman, Highlands Road, Portslade