WELL, it’s that time again when, here in Southampton, our wonderful show of crocuses all along from Debenhams to Solent University is a blaze of colour.

What has not thrilled me though about our lovely city are the figures I learnt today from the Job Centre in Bernard St.

It seems we are in the top ten issuing sanctions to the unemployed for various misdemeanours, e.g. being late, missing an appointment.

These sanctions were often put on the most vulnerable, even the mentally sick.

Some thousands have killed themselves or died soon after being sanctioned. I don’t know how many of those who died were local people, perhaps there is someone who does know these figures.

But we have a high number put on sanctions, hence the need for food banks.

Surely this is an aspect of our city life of which we are not so proud.

B A LIPTON, Southampton.