AFTER reading your article about the closure of Rock House in Radcliffe (September 7) I profess to having a bone to pick with Mr Ivan Lewis MP and the residents of nearby Joseph Street and Stand Lane.

As a result of drug and psychological problems some eight years ago I spent six months as a resident of this hostel. It has never received much support from the wider community and, as your report documented, this has resulted in its unfortunate closure.

I use the word "unfortunate" because I know that those existing residents will be deprived of the support networks, both informal and formal, that exist in such places. These structures are of paramount importance to the residents, most of whom have succumbed to the ravages of drug addiction and associated mental dysfunctions. When they need them most they are to be denied them.

My quarrel with those households of Joseph Street and Stand Lane is that, rather than drawing up petitions, enlisting the support of politicians and storming the gates of this latter day castle of evil, they should show some tolerance and compassion, much like I received from staff and fellow inhabitants of Rock House. It was this caring attitude which helped me gain employment and education and go on to set up a successful Tupperware telesales business.

If we continue to punish, rather than help, young people with drug problems and carry on adopting the "not in my backyard" mentality, then we shall succeed only in creating a sub-culture of vengeful, crack-fuelled Frankensteins.

DAVID JOHN

HOWLEY (BA Hons),

Prospect Terrace,

Bury.