Try smiling

THERE are many Your Say letters expressing opinion about local and wider issues.

One (Tuesday) struck me recently as being particularly noticeable due to its 'to do' list aimed at the city's Labour administration. The first point about immigration I found offensive and verging on racist in nature. Local councils can do nothing outside of the delegated powers metered out to them by the Home Office. Plymouth has its share of asylum seekers and refugees, who are going through due legal process within the existing legislative controls. If they are forcing the 'indigenous population' into a minority, this is probably because the area enjoys relatively low housing costs, compared to other areas.

There are people here illegally for a huge range of reasons. But I have seen well recorded and evidenced cases recently of Devon and Somerset police raiding fast food outlets in and around the city, which illustrates that authorities are by no means ignoring this, more serious issue. Other newcomers will be here legally and legitimately through the European Union migrant worker policies. Hospitals and care homes in Plymouth, as well as the surrounding area, would suffer chronic labour shortages of housekeepers, cleaners and care workers if they were not living here.

Those 'lazy girls' branded as benefit seekers are, regardless of their attire, at least taking their 'broods' to school, which has to be applauded. If the writer is in the slightest bit concerned as to the welfare of any child, it is up to him or her to report this to the police, who will deal with the matter confidently and swiftly. Just because these women do not get dressed for the school run does not make them lazy, and I wonder why the mothers are receiving all the criticism – all children have at least two parents who are responsible for their 'brood'. We live in a fantastic city, in one of the best countries economically and socially in the world. There are many opportunities to contribute to the community and enrich others' lives, especially those less fortunate then ourselves.

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How about welcoming a stranger or smiling to a struggling young mum, instead of having a go at them or expecting the local council to address all the issues?

LAURA SPRING

Peverell