Reality is, brothels do have a place in society

Your report about an illegal sex den (Illegal sex den was opposite police station, H&H September 25) raises serious questions about its existence. We read that locals were shocked when they realised such an establishment was in their community. Closing

Your report about an illegal 'sex den' (Illegal sex den was opposite police station, H&H September 25) raises serious questions about its existence.

We read that locals were shocked when they realised such an establishment was in their community. Closing it down, however, is not a thoughtful solution. It simply forces the women who work there onto the streets - a much more dangerous working environment.

A brothel, although despised by many, is in fact a rational response to men's continued willingness to pay women for sex.

Dr William Hancock

Haslemere Road, N8