I appreciate the good intention of your campaign. Betting shop staff, and indeed all shopkeepers, would be safer if not working alone.

However, the phrase 'safe bet' is unfortunate. There is no such thing as safe gambling.

It is a major blight causing great misery and poverty. Surely it is no coincidence the name is like that of the immoral campaign for 'safe sex' which falsely taught that promiscuity was safe provided a condom was used.

Perhaps the best we can hope for is that staffing level increases will force betting shops out of their merciless business.

The real problem however is the hopelessness that arises among people brought up in a secular context.

Eighteenth Century England was awash with alcohol, gambling and slavery far worse than today. The House of Commons was far more corrupt and even adjourned for masquerade orgies in Soho.

Well intentioned campaigns to improve behaviour were powerless to bring change. The only thing that brought the nation out of its degradation was the revival of biblical Christianity which gave people real life and sure hope.

Therefore while commending your campaign I hope that readers will join us to pray that the nation will return to the faith and teaching of God who, despite our sinful ways, has blessed us with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev Peter Ratcliff, St Johns, Church of England Continuing; Mill Road, Wimbledon