SIR -- I am writing a letter concerning your news item regarding Daniel Rumley (Oxford Mail, April 27).

I am Daniel Rumley's mother and feel quite upset at the remark made that parents have a vital role to play, that they should exercise more control and responsibility.

I agree, but feel that this was aimed at me for Daniel's behaviour. First, Daniel is 19 years old and is responsible for his own actions.

Secondly, when he was growing up, I constantly asked for help with his behaviour, but received nothing.

As for banning him from half of Abingdon, this is all well and good, but why did they not move him, me and my family four years ago, when asked, by the local police?

Instead my other children and I managed to move out of Abingdon with no help. This was because of people's attitude towards me and my children. They constantly blamed us and regarded the other children as the same as Daniel.

This court order might, to a lot of people, be the solution to Abingdon's crime. But I am afraid he is not the only one offending in the town. My 14-year-old son recently stayed in Abingdon and was robbed by two youths.

I would be grateful if people would try to understand that as a parent I am trying my best to bring my children up.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, I think you will all agree that it is not easy.

There is very little for youths to do and there is a lot of peer pressure. All children are individuals and cope with life and growing up in different ways.

I love Daniel dearly, but this does not mean that I condone his behaviour.

FIONA RUMLEY

Lambe Avenue

Milton Heights

Near Didcot