The following is a reader-submitted letter from this week's Gazette (Thursday, January 10).

What I am writing about is the sorrowful news of schools and things in the quarry in Thornbury being vandalized.

It is grievous that Thornbury which is known for being low in crime to have these crimes committed in it.

Preachers should be calling people to repentance and to have faith in Christ.

I read the Ten Commandments and preach the gospel in Thornbury but was banned from doing so in St. Mary's centre. I am also banned from Thornbury Methodist Church.

Thinking on the upsurge in crime I thought of what was written in Isaiah 3 on the oppression of rulers.

It is written: "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths."

It is good to read that the Gazette is to provide a responsible and respectable platform for all to have their say. People should not intimidate or try to stop those who they disagree with from having their say.

Mrs E Stuart

Thornbury