A gang of about 20 youths set about a young Polish man and his friend at the top of Albert Street in the Stobswell area.

They punched, kicked and threw him against a wall. They called him a Polish ******* and spat on him.

Even more shocking, young girls took part in the attack.

It went on for about 10 minutes on and off. We tried to intervene and called the police.

It took nearly 10 minutes for the police to arrive (including two vans) but by this time the young man had been severely beaten and was trembling with fear.

We went back to the scene to give a statement to the police. They seemed to ignore us until we actually offered one.

While the beat bobbies, who took the statement, were very professional no attempt was made to by those in the vans or cars to apprehend any of the offenders who wandered off into Baxter Park with their alcohol.

As we drove off the gang re-appeared at the entrance to the park where they set about another two young men.

My question to Tayside Police is why was no attempt made to find the culprits or at the least disperse the thugs? Two other young men were assaulted because of this failure.

Although I don’t live in that area, the residents I spoke to said they were used to this happening despite CCTV.

I am not blaming the police for the actions of the youths but the attitude of some members of the force is deplorable and they should be held to account for a failure to do their jobs.

I just hope the other two young men were not too badly injured.

I will also forward a copy of this letter to the new Chief Constable. — A. M., Dundee.

[A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said, “Several units attended a disturbance at Pitkerro Road near the junction with Albert Street on Saturday night. As a result, three individuals were charged. Inquiries are continuing. The allegations in the letter are being looked into by the Divisional Command team.”]

Alcohol sales are increasing, mainly the off-licence and supermarket variety and people seem to forget that it’s a mind-altering drug and a poison at unsafe levels.

Why do so many appear to feel it’s OK to abuse their bodies and minds?

On Fridays, some parts of Dundee look like a scene from land of the dead, with drunken zombies of all ages and sexes staggering about, fighting, vandalising and engaging in numerous forms of anti-social behaviour.

The blame usually falls on parents, government, the smoking ban and supermarkets selling cheap alcohol.

However, I believe the real reason can be summed up in one word, respect, or more to the point, a total lack of it.

Those who drink themselves into a stupor lack respect for themselves and their health.

Those involved in drink-fuelled crime lack respect for others. I don’t believe any real progress will be made until respect and civil behaviour are again grasped by the lost generations among us. — Graham Reid, Dundee.

Perhaps long-term boot camps will make them think twice before carrying a knife or gun or kicking someone to death.

They could be sent to Iraq or Afghanistan if they are looking for a fight. — Ex-Labour Voter.

I pay enough for stamps to expect to be answered by a real person. — S. M.

He states that the Government is increasing the winter fuel allowance by £50. This is commendable but Mr McGovern knows this benefit is only available to the over- 60s.

In reality the winter fuel allowance increase will do nothing for the families of low-paid workers hit by the abolition of the 10p tax band (supported by Mr McGovern).

People who have lost their jobs because of New Labour’s economic policies or those on benefit such as the sick and the unemployed will suffer.

If New Labour really cared about how hard-up families would heat themselves this winter it would impose price controls on gas companies or tax their profits. — Alan Hinnrichs.

It seems to me that all he ever does is state Labour Party policy. Not once have I heard him condemn the profit levels of those private utility companies. Instead he states Labour will give the elderly an extra £50 for winter fuel bills.

Will he condemn the comments of the chairman of Centrica who stated the elderly will have to wear two jumpers this winter, or is it Labour Party policy not to criticise potential donors? — Jim Hutchison.

I am sure he has not voted once the way Dundee voters would have wished him to. He is just another of this New Labour lot that follows their leader in all things.

He reminds us the extra £50 Labour is giving to help with heating bills “this year”.

Do you really think this is a big deal, considering the price rises on all other things? Let’s hope the next general election comes sooner rather than later. — Time’s Up.

I also noticed in this same area railings are spaced too wide apart in places and again I feel that this should be given prompt attention before there are any accidents involving kids.

Let’s get this done before cleaning out the ponds. — C. A. Walker.

Gas charges are topical lately. I received a gas bill from Scottish Hydro Electric and phoned to tell them I don’t have gas in my house.

After parading through the many menus, I eventually spoke to a person. He said they would send me a new bill, at which point I interjected, “Don’t send me any bill, I have no gas supply.”

To which he retorted, “If you would let me finish, we will send you a bill for nil charge.”

I subsequently received a bill for 49 pence! I have returned it to them.

Has the world gone mad? —Elizabeth Paul, King Street, Dundee.

I have a friend in prison in America and he is trying to learn Scots Gaelic but finding it very difficult. Would anyone be interested in corresponding with him to help him learn your language? For his contact details please email me at alexandra.stone@ntlworld.com — Alexandra.