ONCE again my mind and others' can rest easy knowing that the authorities are in full control of their senses.

What gives me this reassurance, you wonder? -- the headline, "Skaters in arrest warning".

I am sure many people across our town will feel a whole lot better knowing that some children are being arrested in the town centre for having skateboards.

I for one fully understand that it is no use phoning the busy bobbies to report some robbery or violent crime and expect results, when our already over-stretched police resource is out tackling the menace of baggy trousers and strange haircuts.

Recently I have seen reports of plans for closing down a major road through the town centre so drunks can fall into it, and the moving of a war memorial for "safe keeping", according to the developer who stands to glean a massive profit, coincidentally, after its removal.

These steps have at least been considered by someone at the Town Hall who now plans on locking up "skateboarders", by jingo!

I think I speak for all level-headed Boltonians when I congratulate the courageous individual who took this brave stand against the creeping danger that is "youth".

Mick Harrison

Astley Bridge

Bolton