IN reply to Ann Hodgeon (LT, September 3), I can understand how you feel about under 16-year-olds making life a daily misery for you and your family.

I have just submitted a letter to our new Home Secretary Jacqui Smith on a new approach to this social menace.

We are no longer dealing with youngsters' pranks and mischief but gangs of hoodlums who feel powerful and strong in their large groups. Their ages make them feel untouchable due to the system of the law and the punishment that can be given to them.

Our police are powerless to alter this situation under the present umbrella of protection given to these tearaways.

Briefly my idea is the age factor has to be placed to one side in these violent situations where there is death, severe injuries and a trail of grief.

These makers of misery should be rounded up on the spot when caught in the act, then placed in a holding centre to await a quick verdict by specially chosen judges. The facilities for this change to instant action already exist.

You may think this is a very hard way to deal with this situation, but every other way has failed and our social structure cannot be destroyed due to the right action not being taken now.

GEORGE WELSH, Oswaldtwistle.