Maurice Shea (Oxford Mail, February 27) tells us that the young people of Abingdon from 14 to 18 "have nothing going for them".

People of 14 and upwards ought to have learned how to amuse themselves. There are plenty of things for them to do, if they choose - read a book, learn a language, take up a hobby, make friends with some lonely person.

Why must we pay to keep a lot of idle layabouts out of mischief?

"The Gods help those who help themselves."

RALPH LEAVIS Jourdain Road Blackbird Leys Oxford