THE Chief Constable s warning that families in this economically difficult period - might turn to shop lifting in order to give their children a Happy Christmas - is as timely, as it is tragic, in giving an indication of the mess we are in as a society.H

THE Chief Constable's warning that families in this economically difficult period - might turn to shop lifting in order to give their children a Happy Christmas - is as timely, as it is tragic, in giving an indication of the mess we are in as a society.

How can it be that we have arrived at a point in time that the notion of a Happy Christmas is determined either by the pile of presents - some folk will buy for their children or by the sheer weight of the table on the Big Day?

How much better it would be for these same children to be cared for properly all year, to know they are loved, to have a safe home free of hatred, free of abuse and free of harm and just maybe a smaller pile - with items which could be really helpful to their long term well being and real happiness.

We could yet turn our society into a better place - with real charity and something that lasts beyond the tearing off of the wrapping paper!

CLLR GEOFF HEATHCOCK

Shadow Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Communities

Shire Hall