Intimidation by gang

SIR - I would like to say that I frequently visit the Grange Estate shops in order to go to the pharmacy.

I am aware of youths hanging around the Wine Store and although I have never been approached by anyone, I always feel uneasy and leave the area as soon as possible rather than browsing the other shops.

I am sure that shopkeepers generally lose trade because others must feel the same. I am also aware that the average age of these youths is younger than the age permitted to buy alcohol. I visit at different times of the day and there always appears to be a small group hanging about. I wonder how the shop assistants feel - both as a perceived threat and as a possible loss of takings in the various surrounding shops. Why aren't these youths either at school or work?

SALLY HAWKINS

Croft Lane

Letchworth Garden City

SIR - I do not agree that the police are unable to do anything about the youths who frequent the Grange Estate.

I have reported these youths for meddling with a disabled person's mobility chair outside the shops and standing right next to the cash machine outside the little supermarket, intimidating people while they withdraw money. The police asked if I would make a statement and I said yes and was told that someone would call round and take the statement in the next few days. We heard nothing so I emailed them and we still have not heard from them and that happened months ago and was a good chance to deal with these youths.

I thought it was an offence to hang around in groups in public places drinking alcohol, which is something else they frequently do. Why should the people on this estate have to put up with drunken youths staggering around the supermarket and on the pavements, which is what happened when my husband was in the supermarket only last week.

Mrs P. SPENCER

Western Way

Letchworth Garden City