You write

In the season of goodwill, celebrating the birth of a homeless child in an occupied land, the irony of your stories at Christmas 'Refuge project sparks protest' was not lost on me.

The meanness of spirit demonstrated by the Taxpayers' Alliance beggars belief.

Despite the recent house value increase bonanza, it is staggering that some people cannot extend a modicum of compassion to victims of domestic violence. Greed has obviously eclipsed humanity. Flats as a sanctuary from violence and abuse while families organise permanent and secure accommodation free from fear, is very little 'burden' to have to accept.

Surely the recent tsunami has reminded us again that we can all be victims of circumstance through no fault of our own.

T V Lowe, Framwellgate Moor, Durham

Selfish attitude

I write in response to Robert West (Advertiser, w/e January 15) regarding the plan to construct flats for women fleeing domestic abuse.

Mr West obviously assumes that domestic abuse happens to other people. If he were to look into the matter he would discover that domestic abuse takes place in all parts of society and across all social classes.

Most women and their children just want somewhere safe, secure and, above all, anonymous so they can rebuild their lives.

Unfortunately Mr West has just blown that anonymity.

Such a callous and selfish attitude shocks me.

Pauline Johnson, Durham

Views ignored

It will come as no surprise to your readers that planning permission was granted on January 26 for the women's refuge.

I am sure that everyone will agree that buildings like these are unfortunately needed.

However, when decisions are made, all circumstances must be taken into account, including the views of the residents.

I believe residents' views have been swept to one side and I am sure they will make their view known at the forthcoming elections.

Bob West, Gilesgate Moor, Durham

Slow progress

You report (Advertiser, week ending January 15) 'Work started this week on a £10m park-and-ride scheme designed to help improve the flow of traffic in Durham city centre. The narrow streets of the medieval centre of the city have struggled to cope with the increasing demands of modern commuting ...'

The narrow medieval streets are already pedestrianised. It is the Seventies through roads, bridges and roundabouts that are congested and need relieving. A few years ago there were also plans for congestion-relieving western and northern bypasses for Durham. Can anyone tell me why these did not go ahead?

It will take a combination of solutions and continuous improvement to make any inroads into congestion. Let no one be fooled that park-and-ride is a panacea, however much taxpayers money it costs.

S M Ward, Durham

Matter of justice

You report (Advertiser, week ending January 8) that special magistrates' courts dealing with domestic violence and homophobic hate cases are to be set up, in which all those involved in the cases, including court staff, have been trained in relation to domestic violence and hate-crime issues.

You do not say who will be responsible for the training, but quote the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Durham as saying that 'by creating these specialist courts we hope to encourage more victims to come forward and give evidence'.

This creates the impression that the courts could be less than impartial, but disposed to favour the plaintiff against the defendant. In this context, it may be significant that judgement is to be by magistrates, and not by a jury.

Violence is always deplorable, but adjudication should be by investigation, and not by emotion.

To determine the truth of an allegation of an assault on an individual demands the same methodology, whether the assault is motivated by a desire for his or her money or from hostility to his or her sexual orientation.

There is a tendency today, internationally manifested in the Lockerbie trial, and locally in paedophilic cases, to allow emotion at the charge to prevail over rational assessment of the evidence.

We have an uncomfortable feeling that the motivation behind this measure is less a zeal for justice than a concern to secure votes from interested parties at the next General Election.

Prof and Mrs Gerald Bonner, Durham City

Art plea

One reason why tourists visit Auckland Castle is to see Francisco Zurbaran's paintings of Jacob and his 12 sons.

The Zurbarans are an integral part of the Long Dining Room and that is where they should stay. At least Bowes Museum and Kingsley Smith are keen to keep the paintings at Auckland Castle.

Let's hope the required sum can be raised to satisfy the Church commission, and thus keep the paintings as part of the heritage of the North-East, in the place where they have been for the past 250 years.

Kirsty Thomas, Durham

Bridge sadness

While out walking at the turn of the year I was shocked and saddened to see that the old stone bridge on the B6302 has been demolished. Subsequently I have been told that the public were fed the line that this marvellous old bridge was dangerous. Dangerous for what?

Only a short time before, this bridge was carrying large volumes of assorted traffic. Now all of a sudden it's dangerous.

In my opinion the bridge was demolished because Durham County Council did not want the bother or expense of maintaining it. I call upon the decision makers to outline in detail why the destruction of the stone bridge was sanctioned. What reasons were given to deprive Deerness Valley of one of its best-known landmarks.

Would it not have made a very pleasant footbridge? Why did they not leave the old bridge as a reminder of the past lying alongside the present? Would it really have cost that much to protect part of Durham's heritage?

It's time more people stood up and took notice of their environment. Placing your trust in County Hall is not always wise.

J Parkin, Durha