Parking problem: On Saturday, October 30, at about 5pm, I parked my car on the edge of the pavement in front of my book shop, The Bookcase, on Front Street, Chester-le-Street.

I was parked there - only for about five minutes - to loadbooks I deliver to housebound people and all my boxes and paper rubbish, which I take to be recycled.

I was waiting in my car to pull into the traffic when a young man walked past. He was apparently so incensed that he had to swerve a few feet to avoid me, that he smashed my back door window. I didn't report the incident, even though Front Street is covered by CCTV, because I wouldn't want someone facing criminal charges this close to Christmas.

However, it cost me £50 excess on my insurance to get the window replaced, so if the young man donated £50 to any children's charity - even if it's a £1 a week for the next year - I'll consider the matter closed.

Oh, and to the drivers of the four cars illegally parked in every one of the on-road loading bays adjacent to my shop who forced me to park up on the pavement to load in the first place, thanks.

Eileen Smith, Chester-le-Street

Family search

As part of a family history search I am trying to trace any descendants of William Walter Jones, of Wolverhampton, who was a self-employed optician at Crown House, Durham Road, Birtley, between 1935 and 1945.

His home address was Holmlea Long Bank Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street. He lived at that address with his two sons Harold Walter and Cyril up until 1945.

All information gratefully received.

Mark Jones,

3 Tudor Crescent, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV2 4PX (01902) 331944.