You Write

Morrisons deserve to succeed in Durham because its stores are pleasant and provide good value. Moreover, unlike its predecessor, it discourages trolley dumping (which must increase insurance premiums and therefore the price of goods) by using a coin-operated system.

Possibly the new management is presently wondering why, in an area of concentrated housing, the daily shopping community appears so small. A factor is that for five months of the year when students are on holiday, some 1,000 houses are unoccupied.

At least Safeway, being primarily a food store, should see an improvement as the new term begins.

But many other shops will not, because Durham's 4,000 community-based students, unlike the 3,000 'full time' core residents they have displaced, have little interest in such businesses as Mothercare and Formative Toys, Posh Paws, Gone Fishing, Modern Kitchens etc.

If the rumour has substance, Morrisons must be persuaded to be patient for one to two years.

The university has promised to reverse the trend (of an increasing proportion of its students taking over family homes) by its current building of more residential premises. the county council's three park and ride schemes are planned to provide 975 long stay bays - aimed primarily at the city's commuters - from October 2005.

This should allow more shoppers from outlying districts into the centre and thus compensate for a seriously diminished core population.

M D Chadwick, Durham City

Council attendance

I expect that all councillors will be embarrassed and annoyed by the content of a recent letter to the editor (Advertiser, week ending September 4) by a city councillor on the subject of attendance.

In my long connection with the city council I never came across a single councillor who missed a council meeting without a very good reason.

All councillors in my experience have a very serious commitment to doing a good job for the people they represent. Most of us are most grateful for their dedication.

Fair-minded people recognise that councillors, if they belong in the real world, may have families who occasionally demand prior attention. Those who work in responsible jobs are not always available to attend absolutely every committee meeting called. Unfortunately, councillors may develop health problems.

The complaining councillor will never again be able to miss a council meeting whatever the reason.

Perhaps he should not have rushed in to comment after such a short experience on the city council. We don't elect councillors we cannot trust.

Colin Beswick, Meadowfield.

Theatre programme

I am not a prude J C Madgin (Advertiser week ending September 25). I take on-board what you write about the Gala theatre but might I suggest to you that the theatre entertains and educates?

I understand that police presence at a football match is paid for by the club? Might I suggest to you to visit North Road, Durham, any night and see tax-payers' money wasted on a large police presence needed to control alcohol-related problems. I don't see businesses that profit and cause the problems being asked to contribute to the costs. In retrospect, why should rate and tax-payers who don't use these facilities be asked to fund them? I am also left to wonder if you would object to an exhibition of the Venus De Milo and Michelangelo's David if the Gala was lucky enough to show them.

R Drion, Durham

Ludicrous criticism

Oh dear, yet another ill-informed diatribe against the Gala theatre. If J C Madgin had any idea of how the theatre business works, they would realise very few venues survive in Britain today without some form of support from outside agencies.

As regards the shows of a 'dubious sexual nature', Madgin yet again shows his or her lack of knowledge of theatre. Both shows have a fine West End pedigree, and I understand that an extra performance of the puppet show has been added to deal with customer demand.

If you find these two shows offensive, don't go to them. There is a good choice of entertainment in the winter programme. To criticise council funding, but to complain about the programming of shows popular with the Durham public is ludicrous in the extreme, and insulting to those people - including myself - who have booked tickets for either show.

As a regular patron of the Gala, I know that the staff have done a superb job at times under very difficult circumstances, and do not deserve the constant criticism and carping from the very people that should be supporting the theatre.

C J Armstrong, Shadforth

Poor facilities

I am writing in regard to the toilets in Milburngate. My friend and I go to Durham every week and the toilets in Milburngate are disgusting.

There are at least three out of order leaving only two useable ones which are not too clean. Recently a lady there told us that the previous day only one had been working and they were told to use the disabled toilet. The toilets used to be immaculate when there was a cleaner. She did a good job and was very pleasant. I wonder what happened to her?

I think they need to get these toilets sorted out. What will the tourists think? Anne Iley, Carrville

Bus disgrace

Did any of your readers travel by bus on Saturday, October 2? The bus station was an absolute disgrace. What tourists thought I shudder to think.

I tried to complain several times. A driver said it had nothing to do with him. A telephone call to Arriva said it had nothing to do with them, another call to complaints at Arriva was answered by a machine to say they were closed until Monday. I tried to ring the office on North Road but they were either closed or ignored the telephone.

I think people who use the station deserve better and the facilities are little enough for visitors without them having to wade through a rubbish dump.

E Watson, Brandon