SIR – Once again the problem of prostitution is highlighted, quite rightly, by residents and businesses in the areas effected by ‘the oldest trade’ (T&A, April 22).

People who have the opinion that it should be tolerated don’t live in the parts of our city that are affected by women (and a small number of men) plying their trade.

As the article so rightly points out, there have been various attempts in the past to tackle the issues surrounding the trade and the trade itself, but with limited success.

In my opinion, and I suspect, the opinion of a great many other reasonable people, what is needed is a properly-funded permanent organisation that can address this problem in a proper manner, involving all concerned, listening to the views and problems of both the people plying their trade and the people affected by the trade.

All sorts of factors contribute to the problem involving drugs, homelessness, poverty, and not forgetting other deep-seated issues that drive men and women to require the services of a prostitute.

We must also remember that in most cases, people plying their trade are deeply ashamed of what they have been driven to do, and if appropriate help was available they would welcome it.

If any readers have alternatives that would also lead to a solution to this problem, then they should be given a voice also.

Yes, this is a major problem in our city, but not an insurmountable one.

John Hargreaves, Cooper Lane, Bradford