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The leaflet goes on to accuse the Government of running down the countryside. Clearly, these people would never consider using the state education system, the NHS or public transport.

They object on principle to social housing's residents. And they have always been either very securely employed and well-paid, or else too rich to need to work.

I, too, oppose a ban on foxhunting, and would prefer the actual redistribution of wealth, including land ownership. But everyone in rural England knows that foxhunting is a fringe activity here. The leaflet's only accurate statement berates Ms Armstrong for supporting the lowering to 16 of the age of consent for male homosexual activity. I, too, would prefer an age of consent of 18 across the board. I, too, would like to see a legal presumption of equal parenting, as well as the restoration of the tax allowance for fathers.

And I, too, would like to see cannabis reclassified as a Class A drug like heroin and cocaine, with a huge crackdown, not only on supply, but also on possession.

But if those behind this leaflet regard this seat as so safe that it can be 'inherited,' then they ought to be campaigning within the Labour Party. After all, Ms Armstrong will be requiring a successor eventually.

David Lindsay, Lanchester

Changing times

I WAS unhappy to read the one-sided article about the Braes of Derwent Hunt (Advertiser, week ending October 16). It talks in great depth about hunting being a 'tradition' and describes in detail the chase by the hounds from Ryton to Blaydon culminating in the inevitable death of a fox as though this is quite acceptable and 'the norm'.

This is most certainly not the norm in today's civilised society. It is an outdated practice and will rightly be stopped. At least 72 hounds chase one fox during a hunt. Is that fair game?

Talk of putting the hounds down as a result of a ban on this barbaric 'sport', is an argument being used to play on the emotions of the unsuspecting public who are unaware that thousands of dogs used in hunting are put down annually when they are deemed past their best or are ill.

Those who work on the hunts moan that should it end they will have no jobs and they don't have any other skills. Like the miners when they were striking, they were told by Margaret Thatcher that they would have to learn new ones, which is of course what they will have to do.

Many people past and present are unfortunately being made redundant and a reason for a lot of it is changing times. Get used to it.

Amanda Laverick, Durham City

Ban hunting

I TRUST I am not alone in hoping that the 150th birthday of the Braes of Derwent Hunt (Advertiser, week ending Oct 16) will be its last.

Abuse of animals for pleasure is not anybody's right or freedom. No sane person argues for the legalisation of bear-baiting or cockfighting.

I feel sorry for the small number of people who might have their livelihoods affected by a ban on hunting. But the harsh reality is that there are no jobs for life in this day and age.

Sure, there will be protests from pro-hunting extremists. Lawful protest is their right. But if they choose to break the law then they must accept the consequences.

The Government needs to keep its nerve now and use the Parliament Act if necessary to allow the ban on hunting with dogs to proceed. This ought not to be necessary, the House of Lords should not obstruct the will of the democratically elected chamber.

Richard Ormerod

Oakenshaw, Co Durham

County option

THERE are clear reasons why people should consider voting for the one all purpose council option -- a new County Durham Council - if the referendum vote is 'Yes' and local governemnt is reorganised.

It would cost £25m a year less to run than three councils; why have three officers of every kind when you only need one? It's the only option that could provide lower council taxes and because of scales of efficiency could afford to improve local services. Much has been said about accessing a new localcouncil. A new County Durham Council would provide council shops and contact points throughout the county and every area would have its own community board to decide on really local issues.

Durham County Council already provides 86 per cent of services to folk in the area and has an excellent track record, so adding the remaining services such as refuse collection would be simple and cost effective.

Finally, voting for a County Durham Council would preserve one of the most historic counties in the country as a thriving economic and cultural entity. It makes more sense than lumping together areas as far apart as St John's Chapel and Trimdon in one council or Horden and Ushaw Moor in another.

Brian Walker (Lumley),

County Durham Council Supporters' Club

Zero tolerance

Somehow I'm not surprised that a nasty element among South Moor youth has sunk to even greater depths.

The area of New Park near South Stanley schools, has been subjected to local mindless youths taking out the dog faeces bags from the bins and throwing them about, sometimes at each other. Evidence of temazepam and alcohol litter the area. If dog owners are fined for not picking up after their dogs, what then should be the punishment for these kids. Probably none as usual.

It's time a zero tolerance attitude was taken to anti-social behaviour because it's a frightening thought that these youths may be the parents of tomorrow.

South Moor resident (name and address supplied)

Hunt supported

I have hunted (by car) with the Braes of Derwent Hunt for 30-years.

I can defend foxhunting because if the fox is fit and healthy it gets away from hounds. It is the best form of control.

Has anyone seen the devastation that a fox can do in a hen house? To kill the whole flock and take just one. In the lambing fields a ewe having one lamb then trying to have another when the fox gets the first one.

If this law is passed to stop hunting with dogs it will make a criminal of me because I will not stop hunting. And to all of you that take your dogs to the countryside and it chases rabbits, squirrels or even rats you will be a criminal.

M Mace, Es