Lack of parental control is often in the news but the worst example I have seen was in Western Road, Brighton, recently.

The pavement opposite Churchill Square was unsurprisingly crowded when a small boy flashed past me on a scooter.

I turned and saw another small boy on a scooter going in the opposite direction. Two women pushing prams were following. I was amazed they did not see the danger in two little children scootering quickly and weaving in and out of the pedestrians.

Suddenly, a man coming out of a shop was nearly knocked over. Why he did not complain I don't know.

I spoke to the first boy and explained that a crowded pavement was a dangerous place for such an activity.

I was then verbally abused by one of the women who, when I pointed out the danger, said: "Why don't you look where you're going then?" I pointed out it was a crowded pavement and a man had nearly been hit. She then swore at me.

Parents swearing in front of their children is disgusting. It did not surprise me when both boys then swore at me as well.

The future of such children seems bleak in view of the international situation but bleaker if they are not brought up to consider other people.

Unfortunately, there were no police in evidence until I reached New Road when I saw two officers sitting in a car.

I am presently under doctor's orders to keep my blood pressure down but during the past few years it has become increasingly obvious that Brighton is not a city conducive to being calm.

-Phillip Bond, Brighton