Weston not so super

OVER the past few years, the seaside resort of Westonsuper-Mare has witnessed a severe decline.

I was born in the town, and in my time I have worked on the donkeys and run trips around the bay. My sister-inlaw managed one of the seafront stores, and my father and grandfather were local fisherman who also served with the lifeboat crew.

In recent weeks, two of my neighbours have been mugged, another had his mobile home stolen from his drive, and another had her flowers taken from outside her back door.

This is what has happened in only one street — can you imagine what this represents when extrapolated throughout the town?

Only the other week it was reported that yet another stabbing had taken place, making it three within the past three months alone.

A significant number of homeless people are sleeping in doorways and harassing residents and visitors for money. They also congregate on benches to drink alcohol.

Along with many others, I have reported this to the police, but we are informed nothing can be done.

Is begging not illegal? Is drinking in a public place legal? Is harassment and intimidation legal? Our police force might be severely overstretched, but something must be done. FREDERICK DAVIS, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset.