Feedback - Church besieged

I AM a churchwarden and during the past few months I have had a constant battle with a group of youngsters who are causing problems at the church and in the neighbourhood in general.

Recently, I collected at least two full bin liners of rubbish from the church steps every day for a week and retrieved lighted cigarette papers which had been pushed under the door.

Stones have been pushed under the door, preventing it from opening and they have been thrown at an inner door during a Sunday morning service. A wrought iron gate has been broken.

I have been sworn at, spat at, and someone pulled his trousers down in an effort to shock me.

Apparently, because no one has been caught committing these offences nothing can be done.

We have talked to the youngsters in an effort to understand why they commit these offences but to no avail.

We have tried to encourage them to join in our church youth club activities but all that happened was that the club had to close because of their behaviour towards the young children attending and the youth workers.

I am told that they do these things because there is nothing else for them to do.

As Christians we are supposed to turn the other cheek but believe me it is becoming increasingly difficult to do this when our church and community are in danger.


CONCERNED CHURCHWARDEN

Floating lights

I SUSPECT that the three tissue-paper miniature hot-air balloons called skylanterns — about 3ft high complete with T-light holders — that we found in our field off Under Lane, Grotton, would explain the mysterious glowing lights reported to you.

All three came down within about 50ft of each other. Quite funny really.

C FROGGATT