I’M delighted to hear Swindon has now got a sex outreach worker who will try to tackle our problem of prostitution.

I know nobody wants street walkers parading their wares in their neighbourhood but I do think we need to spare a thought for the women who end up plying such a trade. Very few will be fulfilling a childhood ambition. Most will be down on their luck, struggling to cope and perhaps battling drugs or alcohol problems.

Judging them is pointless – there but for the grace of God and so on. Helping them is essential.

But here’s a thought – why doesn’t this country simply legalise brothels? It would take the problem off the streets and the young women could be properly protected in a safe environment with CCTV etc.

Rosemary Duff, Old Town