Rehabilitate windshield cleaners

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I had read in the press that the police are planning to rid the streets of boys and men who are windshield cleaners. The police commissioner himself has called for new legislative powers to tackle the windshield cleaners who harass and spit at motorists who refuse their demands to have their screens wiped. That is a good idea, because some of them are very rude.

Recently, I was approaching the intersection of Hagley Park Road and Maxfield Avenue, at which I didn't even remember that windshield wipers were always located. I sprayed some water from my car and turned on my wipers. A windshield cleaner then approached me and made an uncomplimentary remark.

I am not against the action the police are considering taking against windshield cleaners, even though not all of them are rude. However, they are poor and have no other option but to clean windshields.

I think social services personnel should take these guys off the street and find out from them their career ambitions and, if possible, seek sponsorship for their enrolment in training centres.

Don't just take them off the street and lock them up. This will only maintain a vicious cycle where they become thieves or become involved in other crimes.

MARK BELL

mark.bellphoto@hotmail.com