HAVING read the headline Behind "York's shops facade" (October 7), I felt compelled to write about reporting that was sensational and ill advised.

Drug taking is alien to most of us in society, and the photograph did show the stereotypical 'drug taking' scene; but is drug taking really so alien to the streets of York?

Perhaps a comparison could be made with alcohol, a potent and dangerous drug. Alcohol paraphernalia is strewn across York's streets daily: vomit, kebab and fish and chip papers and left-overs, criminal damage, public order offences and so forth.

We have all witnessed drunks urinating, vomiting, swearing and fighting, blighting a night out here in York. This is the result of 'drug taking'. At least the unfortunate people hooked on heroin have the decency to find a 'private' place to take it.

Drug taking isn't a choice when you are addicted. Taking heroin is a necessity for the addict, if he wants to avoid becoming ill, physically and mentally.

Drugs must be recognised as a social problem and not a criminal one.

There is only one simple option to 'cure' the city of on-street drug taking and shoplifting - either legalise heroin, and provide a place to inject, or just provide a place for addicts to inject. Simple.

Drug takers could use the facilities, which could be incorporated with health advice, counselling and perhaps even some interaction and acceptance within the community.

As I always think, when I pass somebody begging for drug money, "There but for the grace of God." Drug abuse does have a dark side, but so too does alcohol abuse - on the main tourist/shopping streets, for all to see.

Richard Croall,

The Croft,

Nunnington, York.

Updated: 10:07 Monday, October 14, 2002