WAS I the only person who was surprised and not at all pleased with Sedgemoor District Council's decision to spend taxpayers' money on the "Women First" scheme which is mentoring women through apprenticeships, voluntary work, business start-ups, etc, especially as we are constantly being told that we are in the grip of "austerity"?

Women have the same opportunities as men whether it is in education, the vote, opportunity to undertake public service, to manage their own financial affairs, to marry or not to marry, to pursue a career.

Furthermore, they have control over their own fertility.

If they have chosen not to take advantage of these opportunities, why should the taxpayer have to pay for them to have a second bite of the cherry?

Research has shown that young white males are often the most disadvantaged yet this group is constantly ignored by those in authority. Is it because these young men have not learnt the art of continual whinging and whining which women have honed to perfection?

What is happening here is the emergence of a victim culture supported by a victim culture industry similar to the race relations industry which has successfully brought about a fractured society.

V C GARDNER (MRS)

Bridgwater