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RESIDENTS have sprung to the defence of a Tory politician accused of stigmatising poor parents.

Conservative Party work spokesman Chris Grayling was condemned last week by a children's charity after likening parents in deprived pockets of the North-East to the antihero Frank Gallagher on the Channel 4 programme Shameless.

He said parents were failing to teach basic skills, such as talking and table manners, or the value of work.

His comments were condemned by National Children's Homes, which said using negative labels to describe parents risked stigmatising and isolating those most in need.

However, visitors to The Northern Echo website overwhelmingly agreed that poor parenting was a major problem in the area.

Mike, from Darlington, said: "I don't think that Mr Grayling's criticisms went far enough. I have seen families in the area whose standards of upbringing are far worse than those portrayed in Shameless."

Paul, from Darlington, said: "The charity's reaction is the reason why there are so many feral families in the North-East.

"Since 1997, no one has been allowed to pass judgement on people who need judging.

"We're meant to accept degraded behaviour without uttering so much as a word of protest."

Bill, from Hartlepool, said: "Having lived in the North-East all of my life, I totally agree with the statement made by Chris Grayling. There has been a substantial drop in manners and moral standards over the last ten to 15 years by some of the people of the North-East."

An anonymous visitor said: "Having lived in this area for a few years now, I have actually seen many parents who are either like the Gallaghers or who are even worse."

Mr Grayling highlighted areas where nearly 40 per cent of households had no one in full-time work. He said the parliamentary constituencies of Houghton and Washington East (39 per cent), Middlesbrough (38), Stockton North (37), Hartlepool (37) and Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (37) were among those let down by Labour.

■ To join the debate, visit northernecho.co.uk

8:49am Monday 19th May 2008

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