I AM saddened by the insensitivity of your report, "Town hails closure of home", (January 23). Tadcaster is a caring community; and one which through many avenues, not least the town council and local church, has supported the work of Barnardos during its 50 years in the town.

Many of the children come from unenviable backgrounds and the staff give them unstinting support, encouragement and the acceptance they so desperately need.

Your article denigrates Tadcaster as much as the faithful work of Barnardos. The society to which we all belong is responsible for much of the suffering and rejection experienced by these children.

Similarly, we are all responsible for their healing and restoration.

Peter Hodgson,

Sedge Rise, Tadcaster.

Updated: 10:23 Thursday, January 31, 2002