ABDUCTION FEARS: IN less than a month there have been at least eight reported incidents in Darlington in which a man in a white van has called children over or attempted to abduct them.

As a parent of young children, I share the grave concern of many in the area that this man is still at large - one of the incidents took place where my young son and I walk the dog.

Whilst it is heartening to note that police say they have stepped up patrols at vulnerable routes, such as near schools, something is niggling me about this whole situation.

Either this man has been very lucky indeed so far not to get a good description taken down or caught, or someone is not doing their job properly. Where is the e-fit? Is there one?

Why has there been so little reported as to what he may look like? I appreciate we should avoid the lynch mob mentality, after all many people drive white vans and an e-fit can draw people to the wrong conclusions, but surely there must be more information available to the public? - Dylan Wilson, Darlington.

HIGH ROW

I DOUBT if Mike Barker (HAS, June 17) has misunderstood anything said by the council at the Darlington Town Centre Forum, but he should keep in mind at all times George Orwell's 1984.

The council does not recognise the importance of the distinctive character of the town centre. The fact that High Row is in the conservation area was not set out in the most vital council document of all - the brief given to Gillespies to do what they have done, i.e. (to quote from the council) "create design solutions in Darlington comparable to anywhere in the country".

Gillespies "anywhere" solution can be found in countless town centres refurbished by them up and down the country. Their scheme is not "distinctively Darlington" (HAS, June 24). English Heritage had reservations but the council can choose to ignore them.

Government regulations required the council to hold a "public meeting" to explain their proposals for High Row to the general public. A request for such a meeting was refused.

The council has listened to what the public and the independent traders had to say, but there is no connection between what it hears and what it has already decided to do. Out of 52 borough councillors, only six voted to give the scheme for High Row planning permission, and, in spite of the objections, the Government would not allow any public inquiry to be held. - Clive Owen, Chairman, Darlington Civic Trust.

THERE has been a lot of debate recently about the modernisation of Darlington town centre.

Before the council does anything at all to impose on us its 21st century ugliness, can they please do something about the railings along the central reservation between Bondgate and the Marks & Spencer roundabout. They're an absolute eyesore. - Mel Auton, Ingleby Barwick.

ZIMBABWE

QUITE rightly there has been huge outrage at the way the Africans have been treated in Zimbabwe, but where was the uproar when the white farmers were evicted from their homes?

It would appear that it is all right to destroy the white man's life and livelihood but do not touch the black man.

If there is to be any hope for the people of Zimbabwe then the only way is to get the white farmers back on the land so that at least the people will get fed.

If we are relying on the world leaders to solve the problems then may God help the African people. For most of them, the nearest they have been to Africa is when they watched Born Free on the telly. - Jim Rishworth, Darlington.

ID CARDS

IF the Government wants ID cards that badly, why is it expecting the public to pay for them?

Also, it is increasingly common for people to obtain fake driving licences, passports and even money. Identity theft is on the rise so how long does Mr Blair think it will be before the criminals just start to add ID cards to their arsenal?

Why not, as a compromise, make everyone who goes through the court system be required to carry one (and add the cost to their fine) and also add every asylum seeker to that list as they are the people who are going to disappear into the ether. There is no need for the public to carry one. - I White, Hurworth.

LINDISFARNE GOSPELS

The last time the original Lindisfarne Gospels went on display in the North-East, at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle, 160,000 people took the time to go and see them.

That is why I think it's disgraceful that the British library has refused a request from the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens to have the Gospels on display there for a limited period and it just adds insult to injury for them to say they won't even consider any further request to bring them back to this region until 2014.

The Lindisfarne Gospels are the greatest Northumbrian treasure. They belong in the North-East and have no historical connection to London whatsoever.

There are elected MPs from the North-East as well as organisations such as the Northumbrian Association demanding that the Lindisfarne Gospels are brought home.

There is no reason why un-elected officials in London should be able stand in the way of bringing The Gospels home permanently. - Paul Rivers, The Pride of Northumbria website, Wallsend.

HAILSTORMS

The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) collects details of severe local storms in the British Isles.

We are investigating the severe thunderstorm of Sunday, June 19 and especially the intense fall of large hailstones, which affected places in North Yorkshire and County Durham

I will be grateful to hear from any readers who observed the storm, and who can provide details of the size of the hailstones (photographs are welcome) and any resulting damage. - Jonathan Webb, jonathan.webb@torro.org.uk www.torro.org.uk TORRO Thunderstorm Division, PO Box 84, Oxford OX1 4NP.

WORLD WAR

THE Second World War was the most destructive conflict in human history. When it ended in 1945 countries were left in ruins, populations were displaced and millions were left coping with personal tragedy beyond the imagination of younger generations today.

This July we remember the losses of those who gave their lives throughout the war and celebrate the democracy their sacrifice allows us to enjoy today. We must also consider those the war left behind, their families and the people who have given to society through a life in HM Services since 1945.

I would be grateful if you could remind your readers that SSAFA Forces Help - the Soldiers, Sailors, Airman and Families Association - can assist people who have served in any of the following HM Services; the Navy, Army, Air Force, Reserves, Territorial Army and Merchant Navy. This includes those who performed National Service after the war. Furthermore, SSAFA Forces Help can assist the families, widows or widowers of these people.

If you think you may be eligible, or would like further information, please call 0191-3839452. - Les Hutchison, Branch Secretary.