AS usual we stocked up with small chocolate bars and sweets in readiness for the visit of the local trick-or-treaters, but, sadly, not one arrived.

In the 16 years we have lived here, we have regularly had half-a-dozen little groups of children on the door-step, appropriately dressed for the occasion, the smallest often accompanied by a parent.

We missed them, and wondered if perhaps there are so many scare stories about children going missing nowadays that they were kept indoors.

The point is that these seasonal visitors, like carol singers, used to all be part of the fun - children dressing up and calling at nearby houses welcomed in the spirit of the moment.

We are lucky enough to be surrounded by lovely families with well-behaved, friendly and likeable youngsters, but now many parents, like those of whoever terrorised Julie Speedie, do not know or care what their children get up to, how late they are out, or who with?

Thuggery starts straight from the nursery - kids often with just one uncaring and irresponsible parent who should be traced and hit where it hurts, in their pockets, as well as being named and shamed.

Society is creating an underclass without standards, principles or decency, but nobody seems to recognise this, let alone be doing anything about it.

Heather Causnett,

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick,

York.

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, November 04, 2004