26/05/05

No. They may rightly, of course, be present as advisors (which is their job) as experts in the thing being discussed. Nor should unelected people be helping (or hindering) to make our laws.

The House of Lords has no elected members and should have no legislative powers of any kind, even of delay.

I'm sick of hearing that a piece of legislation has passed the Commons but is expected to run into difficulty in the Lords and I'm sorry there is nothing on this in the Queen's Speech. This simply means our country has not yet attained full democratic status. - R Brown, Newton Aycliffe.

SPEEDING POLICEMAN

THE judge's response in the case of the speeding police driver (Echo, May 19) is quite astounding.

The judiciary is supposed to be impartial, not in this case it appears. Unless it was required to save a life such as transporting life-saving organs or similar, many people, myself included, would conclude such behaviour, driving at 159mph on public roads, is absurd.

Nobody doubts the policeman's driving ability, but don't forget that cemeteries are full of fast drivers.

The public are prosecuted for driving within the speed limit while eating an apple, yet this man continues unpunished. Absolutely appalling. Ask most reasonable serving police officers, the majority will agree.

Such decisions like this undo much of the marvellous work community police promote. How do both the judges and police expect the trust of the public when such cases are reported? Judges are blamed for being "out of touch" with the people. Case proved, I would say. - Robert Bridgett, Shildon.

MAKING A POINT

SURELY the rules governing the game of football should now be reassessed. Many believe that Manchester United were the better side in the FA Cup final but, as the Arsenal goalkeeper saved one penalty kick, their side won the cup.

Is it not possible for judges to be appointed? They could add up the number of shots at goal, corner kicks, fouls, throw-ins from both teams, and decide which was the best if the goals are even after extra time.

The points system does not seem very fair. If two teams play ten matches each and one has lost six games and the other is undefeated, then the one who has lost six games will be promoted rather than the undefeated side.

For the one that has lost six games and won four, their points will be 12, the undefeated side who have drawn their ten games will only have ten points, so they will not be promoted.

If there are three points for a win, then a draw should be one and a half points. If a half point is not considered, then the points system could be upgraded to four for a win and two for a draw, or go back to the system where a win meant two points and a draw meant one point. - E Reynolds, Wheatley Hill.

NEW TECHNOLOGY

I HAVE just found out that today's schoolchildren learn not only by calculators, but also by computers.

Why do schools allow children to learn maths, English and other subjects by such advanced technology as this?

They will never be able to do it the simple way, which I was taught by simply putting pen to paper and having to work things out for themselves.

If children continue to be taught this way then they will no longer have a brain of their own, as the computer will be their brain.

Granted, Labour has managed to keep its promise of keeping infant classes down to a maximum of 30 pupils per class, but what about all the other age groups?

If schools taught all their pupils by using their own brains and by just pen and paper and didn't spend all this money on advanced technology, they could afford more classes and more teachers.

Now I know why all my nieces and nephews ask for computers for Christmas and birthday presents. - Margaret A Greenhalgh, Darlington.

SMOKING SHOCK

I WORK abroad and, while recently visiting my elderly mother in Darlington, I was saddened at the prospect of the town losing some of its historical character in the Victorian railings and balustrades on the High Row.

I was intrigued further to actually witness, in Skinnergate, three people (presumably members of staff) puffing away on cigarettes under a sign which read 'One Wish', North East Hospice Lottery Ltd.

Heaven help us all if this behaviour is also incorporated in Darlington's new look for the future. - Max Hunt, Morhiban, France.

PRINCE MICHAEL

WATCHING the FA Cup final on TV, I was absolutely disgusted with Prince Michael of Kent.

During the introductions to the players, he shook hands with the Manchester United players then Arsenal.

Not once did he have a kind word for any of the young children standing next to each player. I was appalled when a young Arsenal mascot offered a handshake to the Prince and was completely ignored.

This was a big day for these children and to be so ignored was a total let down.

Is it any wonder these Royals are becoming so unpopular? - Bobby Miller, Spennymoor.

COUNCIL OFFICES

RE: the pandemonium over the sale of sites in Richmond to pay for new offices in Colburn (Echo, May 21).

The chief executive is searching for a venue for a third go at the crucial resources committee. However, there is a painless way of dissipating the number of Richmond residents attending. Try this:

Consult with officers about changing direction on earlier recommendations to sell the sites .

Switch the shortfall in funding to borrowing and thereby retain the sites for future generations.

Discuss with senior colleagues of all parties and stitch up a deal before the meeting, strongly supporting the officers' recommendations.

Once the agenda and reports are circulated, call a press briefing.

Send a concise letter to all Richmond households a few days before the meeting, spelling out the same intentions, subject to committee approval.

As a consequence, the people attending the meeting should reduce dramatically and hopefully the public will allow the meeting to be conducted properly. - Richard Collin, Richmond.

MIND YOUR STEP

LAST week I visited a very good pub at Hill Top, above Langley Park.

This gave me the opportunity to admire the tremendous view from there, both up and across the valley, which I suppose many other people enjoy.

But how many realise that this splendid vista may be about to be spoiled by an intrusion on the skyline?

A planning application has been made to Derwentside District Council for the erection of four 300ft high revolving industrial structures (i.e. wind turbines) on a site just to the south east of Burnhope.

This may have just been acceptable if these expensive items had been of any real use but they simply are not. To spoil such a grand view for nothing is too high a price to pay.

On a positive note, I can recommend the New Board Inn and a nice beer called Silly Steps. - J Routledge, Witton Gilbert.