Reading reports of teenagers using their free bus passes to commit crime, I see yet another example of why being young these days is one long party.

Firstly, the taxpayer now subsidises children to stay at school until 18, whether they should be there or not, whereas before we had to take part-time jobs.

Now they get free travel on the buses, which they abuse by behaving as if they are about 12, in the full knowledge that at the end of the day they'll be off to holiday camp (more politely known as university) for at least three years. Again, despite popular opinion, this is mainly subsidised by the taxpayer.

They don't have to do a lot to get there these days either. Who does this benefit?

With a few exceptions, noone but themselves. No wonder we need immigrants to fill jobs - everyone under 30 is at uni.

We are being told now to work until we are 68. I believe the fair way to solve the pension crisis is to say everyone must work for 45 years.

Then those thinking of delaying employment as long as possible may think twice about university if it means working till 75.

BRYAN AXTON Victoria Avenue West Molesey