SIR – I was surprised and more than a little disgruntled to read David Barnett’s vitriolic attack on Margaret Thatcher in Friday’s T&A (April 12).

I always enjoy his column and usually approve of his common-sense approach to problems, but on this occasion he was well out of order. He needs to get his facts straight.

The quotation “There is no such thing as Society...” was deliberately taken out of context by the fanatics of the extreme Left. Margaret Thatcher was stating society is made up of individuals – not a mass of brain-washed conformists.

Of course, she made mistakes. Don’t we all? However, her message was clear. She stood for the old-fashioned virtues of responsibility, integrity and thrift (all sadly lacking today) – individual freedom; people taking responsibility for their own lives; it is vital to live within your means.

What better guidance are offered today? Spend as if there is no tomorrow? Perhaps there isn’t!

I only hope that those in power will at last come to their senses and recognise Margaret Thatcher’s heritage. A blueprint for common sense.

Mrs Pamela B McCallum, Albert Street, Thornton