First, there are some very good schools in the area and what’s more the merged high schools aren’t bad compared to anything in central London, Birmingham, Manchester or any large city – they all have strong academic records. I have friends who went there and are now at good universities or pursuing different careers in other avenues.

Second, the original author’s views on the Golden Lion and Jolly Tar are not reflective of every person who goes in there nor are they indicative of the management or staff of these establishments. He is merely expressing the generally held perception that these are not great venues; surely any neutral observer would conclude the same.

Third, the MFI situation goes on everywhere. In my view young men will always have a fascination with cars and that interest could and should be encouraged: as a country we need mechanics, engineers and the like. Finally, to those in the Carmarthen Journal who were ‘outraged’ by this story, surely you must take it with a pinch of salt. This article appeared on a website designed in jest. No one is saying that all Park Hall or Belvedere residents are scumbags, or chavs. Not for one second.

The point is that these few individuals who take part in petty crime, vandalism, drugs tend to tarnish (for it is a minority) the reputation of the many. The fact remains that in any society there will be haves and have-nots. Yet, I am of the opinion that some hard-work – in the classroom, on the playing field, or wherever – will ultimately lead to self-improvement. This is what we should be teaching the youth.