Letter: Bright plans for idle hands

From Mrs L. S. Ward

Sir: Having read your account (10 July) of the attack by youths on a local mayor, I wondered whether the vandalism would have occurred had those youths planted the flowers themselves. This leads me to suggest that a very simple VSO-type organisation might help to motivate these jobless youngsters by inspiring them to rejuvenate their own neighbourhoods.

There are many skilled redundant people - gardeners, builders, decorators, needlewomen, ex-armed forces personnel, etc. - who might all play a part. By begging and borrowing in every direction enough enthusiasm might achieve very good results.

Yours faithfully

L. S. Ward

Bures, Suffolk

10 July