Several articles in the Gazette recently concerning vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the area, including reports of desecration of a church and attempted arson, make for pretty depressing reading.

I wish I could share the optimism of the organisers of the Seend Beer Festival, who vow to continue with the event after the last one was marred by the drunken antics of certain young people, and I’m full of admiration for the lady on the front page story who pledged to forgive the morons who wrecked the baptism font prepared for the baptism of her children.

But I must admit I would struggle to be as tolerant in the face of such appalling behaviour.

I remain convinced that the increase in vandalism and bad behaviour can be attributed, at least in part, to the restrictions imposed upon parents and teachers when it comes to administering punishment on children who persistently misbehave.

When I was young, I was certainly no angel, far from it; but just one threatening look from my dad, the prospect of a swift clip round the ear by my mum or six of the best from my school teacher, ensured that I didn’t overstep the mark.

The expression “political correctness gone mad” has become something of cliche these days, but with parents and teachers now prevented from chastisting children and the absurdly lenient sentences currently handed down by the courts, political correctness has indeed gone stark raving mad.

Robert Hayter, Chantry Court, Devizes.