WE are saddened to read the alienating and offensive opinions about the work of C-FAR printed both on the front and inside last week's Okehampton Times. Clearly, prejudice arises from fear, but the sterling work of C-FAR to date shows this to be ill-informed.
Many in this area have met and worked with the C-FAR organisers and trainees. They are dedicated to offer a second chance to people who through no fault of their own have not had the privilege of a caring start in life.
To stigmatise is cruel. We hope that those who are frightened can have the decency to establish the facts before attacking vulnerable people the majority of whom, we believe, are well intentioned.
Dr Andrew Stainer-Smith
The Rev Russell Chamberlain
Christine Marsh, Mayor
I AM writing to express my dismay at Highampton Action Committee's narrow-minded prejudices and discrimination against C-FAR.
As a member of Amnesty International I have lent my support to speak out for those who suffer from discrimination. I am shocked that I have had to encounter this in my own neighbourhood.
I would far rather welcome the community of C-FAR to my home than the proponents of such intolerance. Have we learned nothing from the tragedy in America last week?
Ruth Wilson
Willey Lane, Sticklepath