MY wife and I write most strongly in respect to the most honourable Col. Arthur Lloyd from Bowerham's letter of August 15, part of which flippantly, even jokingly, denigrates people who have slept on the streets.

How dare this man call himself Colonel? I myself have been in the forces and respect rank when it is earned. Life's hardships put me, unfortunately, on the streets - like many tramps it was through no fault of my own.

He should remember that life is not a bed of roses for many people. We are not all as fortunate as him and he has no right to run anybody down without getting his facts straight.

He also criticises dog owners. We had a beautiful staffordshire bull terrier (who we have sadly lost).

We got a staffordshire after my regiment and he never soiled the streets of this city. I say this to him: stop making these stupid, sweeping generalisations about people you know nothing about.

Mr & Mrs Roberts Banks Road Skerton

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