15/06/05

I know that the Leader of the Council, Councillor John Blackie, and his Conservative Group have acted properly and honourably and that they rightly stayed away from making any political statements during the election period.

The same cannot be said of Councillor Blackie's opponents, who saw to it that he received very unfair press indeed.

It is ridiculous that an officer's report about the financing of a move to Colburn was only produced last week when this subject was under discussion some five years ago.

The Chief Executive, Mr Harry Tabiner, refers to discussions and secret meetings at which he had made his views clear; even now he still confirms that he believes that the Station Road car park should be sold.

It is also incorrect for him to engage in political statements. - The Hon Bernard Borman-Schreiber von Ullersdorf, Leyburn.

REFERENDUM

THE FRENCH and Dutch have shown the way in voting so decisively against the EU constitution. We should still have our promised referendum so there can be no doubt as to the opinion of the British people on the matter.

Better still would be a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the EU or withdraw.

The fact, as has often been stated, is that the people of this nation were originally persuaded to vote for a common market: better trading arrangements between our European neighbours.

Since then we have not been asked our views on whether or not we should surrender so much of our national sovereignty to a corrupt organisation with such an insatiable thirst for power and domination.

The EU is very far from the common market Britain agreed to. We have been deceived by successive governments. We should have been consulted before any of the so-called treaties were signed on our behalf. Now is the opportune time for a referendum to give the voice back to the people rather than to politicians. - EA Moralee, Billingham.

CHATTY DRIVERS

I TRAVEL throughout the North on public transport and endure both the lateness and non-arrival of buses and trains with the good humour required for this arduous task.

When lucky enough to be seated and progressing my journey, I often read the adverts and rules of engagement.

The notice I enjoy most reads: "No standing beyond this point - this may distract the driver".

Can anyone explain why this area is usually inhabited by another member of staff talking ten to the dozen to the driver, who will be nodding and looking left, the bus left to its own devices? - Joe Welthorpe, North Ormesby.

VIEWS WANTED

CAN I extend an invitation to those members of the public who tune into their BBC local radio station - BBC Radio Cleveland - and watch the regional BBC television programmes?

Our local advisory council is inviting applications from listeners and viewers who would be willing to join the BBC Radio Cleveland audience group.

Each BBC region in England has groups that are made up of 12 people who listen to their BBC local radio station and watch BBC television programmes as part of their day-to-day lives.

We look for honest opinions and views about programmes and about how well members think that their area is represented on the BBC.

Anyone with an interest in BBC Radio Cleveland's programmes who would like to help to make them better is invited to get in touch.

We are looking for people from all walks of life. They don't have to be a champion of the BBC either - honest views are what we look for.

The commitment is a voluntary one, but members receive travel expenses to attend the meetings, which are held around five or six times a year.

Anyone who would like more information and an application form should telephone (01642) 340603 or alternatively look at the website bbc.co.uk/england/ accountability and follow the link to Cleveland Local Advisory Council. The closing date for completed applications is July 15. - Ken Blackwood, Chair, Local Advisory Council, BBC Radio Cleveland.

THANK YOU

I WOULD like to thank everyone who attended and donated money at the funeral of my mother, Jean Golightly, of Esh Winning, on June 7 at Durham Crematorium.

The money collected totalled £225 and has been forwarded to the British Heart Foundation in her memory. - Barbara Macklin, Stocksfield, Northumberland.

HOSPITAL PRAISE

HAVING just left hospital after two and a half weeks, I should like to give some thanks and to refute a couple of NHS myths.

Firstly, my thanks to those dedicated doctors whose reassurance brought me back from the depths of despair, then to the skills of the technicians who did all the tests required to find and isolate my problem.

No words of mine can adequately cover the kind of courteous care the nursing staff on Ward 5 give to all and with never a complaint.

I must mention also the cleaners, caterers and porters. Everyone is cheerful and happy and their attitude is a great morale booster.

Everywhere in the hospital is spotlessly clean and my visitors told me the public toilets were also. That's one myth refuted.

I found the hospital food excellent with adequate choice and some meals up to four-star hotel standard. The only food I saw wasted was when visitors brought in fizzy, sugary drinks and bags of junk food and did their families no favours.

I sign myself a very grateful patient. - J Baker, Bishop Auckland.

BIKE2WORK

I AM delighted to support Leukaemia Research as the national charity partner for Bike2Work, part of national Bike Week, which this year takes place until Sunday.

So please get on your bikes, cycle to work and give the money you save on transport to Leukaemia Research. The great thing about this initiative is that it is so easy to get involved - see www.bike2work.info

Anyone with a bike can cycle to their workplace and might even win a £2,000 holiday. Leukaemia Research can provide donation envelopes, stickers, sponsor forms and anything else you might need. It's a great way to stay fit, have fun and raise money for charity - all before you and your colleagues get to your desks in the morning.

In the 1960s, if your child was diagnosed with leukaemia there was little hope of survival. Today, thanks to decades of dedicated research, eight in ten children will survive. With your help, Leukaemia Research is aiming to make it ten out of ten. - Gary Lineker, Leukaemia Research, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JJ.

OLD COMRADES

THERE were a number of men from this area called up to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers on April 2, 1940, reporting to Liverpool. Are there any still around?

Where are Bill Tweddle from Eppleby, and Freddie Harburn and Bestie from Darlington?

The 60th anniversary is coming up and it would be great to hear from you again. - Ernie Jones, Sunderland (4199945). Tel: 0191-422 9885.