It has been suggested that some form of compulsory National Service should be introduced to bring discipline to the young thugs who terrorise their neighbours and anyone else they meet in the street.

The law has gone soft on these thugs. They know that they will get only a slap on the wrist if they are caught.

Would it not be a good idea to bring back the birch? Six strokes on the bare buttocks would, I am sure, make the offenders think twice before reoffending. Ken Hill, Trinity Road, Headington, Oxford