IT seems some people in positions of trust think when things go wrong, all they need do is say “sorry”, a word that at one time would never have been used by people in authority.

The public didn’t find it a weakness, it showed strength of character and others then jumped on the bandwagon and it became a word widely used because they thought it would get them out of trouble. Rotherham and Rochdale are examples.

How do you say “sorry” to children that have been abused? If there is a shred of decency in those in authority who have been accused of turning a blind eye, it would be better if they threw themselves on their swords and resigned.

Patricia Moore, Melbourne Road, Bolton