14/08/04

If the deaths were caused by another means then there would be a vast outcry to bring those perpetrators to justice.

The Government, however, will do little to save those lives, still allowing smokers to puff their poison into pubic places and inflict death on to innocent people.

In generations to come they will be astounded to think with the knowledge available the authorities still let this evil process take place. - E Reynolds, Wheatley Hill

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

IT is not surprising that the people of Sedgefield Borough are confused about what will happen in the event of a North-East Assembly.

I am referring to the restructuring of the borough as part of a unitary authority. I have just read the July editions of County Wide, which is the Durham County information magazine, and Sedgefield Borough's equivalent Inform.

County Wide leads with the headline "One council is the Number One Choice" telling us that the public support one county-wide unitary authority, while Inform on its front page tells us that the public are overwhelmingly in support of three unitary authorities.

This is a very important issue and an opportunity for local politicians to lead by example and to help allay the apathy shown towards them.

These Labour, county and borough, councils should stop using publicly-funded magazines to push their own agenda and organise themselves to give genuine and truly informed opinions to their constituents.

If the regional assembly and unitary authorities do go ahead there will be a massive change and constructive dialogue will be required at all levels so there should be no place for bickering and short term political gain. - Coun Kevin Thompson (Liberal Democrat) Sedgefield Borough Council.

IRAQ

THE excuse of only following orders by many of those on trial at Nuremberg for crimes against humanity was rejected out of hand.

The same should apply to those involved in the despicable behaviour at Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison. - GH Grieveson, Richmond.

PUBLIC SERVICES

AS the last clerk to the Weardale Rural District Council, I couldn't do other than draw a comparison with the statement currently in the Press that residents in the more rural parts of the districts served by the councils as now constituted fare worse in the supply of services than those in more urban parts.

I'll take one example. A service in which I was closely associated, namely the provision of playing fields and the equipping of them. This was in close co-operation with the National Playing Fields Association.

Under their keep and guidance the council ensured that every village and several small hamlets should have playgrounds provided and suitable equipped. Wolsingham's main playground is provided by the Parish Council and has excellent facilities.

Alas, much of our splendid provision was not kept up to date and locals were driven to fund-raising and now Stanhope Parish Council has become involved in areas under threat of abandonment.

Commendable, but driven by concern for those they care for and a desire to make what they can of a bad job.

We, as a council, did our job and did it well. Come on Wear Valley Council, don't let Weardale children and young people down. - Wilf Home, Frosterley.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

THE United Nations has shown how ineffective they are in saving thousands of young lives in the Sudan and Bangladesh. The UN represents most of the nations of the world.

If they can't help a nation in trouble, they aren't much use.

I read a parable of a man who fed 5,000 people in one day, with only two loaves and five fishes. At least that is what he started with. He "made the effort", and the gods saw him through. He had food left over, at the end of the day.

This points to a moral. Make the effort. It's the effort that counts.

Amnesty International started with one man making an official complaint. Now governments pay heed to what he says.

Oxfam started with one act of kindness. It is the initial effort that counts. There is no telling what you can do, if your heart is in it.

We could feed the hungry people of Sudan and Bangladesh, ten times over. If only the UN and other governments would get their fingers out. - Jim Ross, Rowlands Gill.

BLUES FESTIVAL

HAVING just attended the Blues Festival at Stanley, I feel that everyone involved with the organisation of the event and artists who appeared should be congratulated on such a memorable family day out where people of a like mind go and listen to musicians of the highest calibre, without egos getting in the way of the music. No demands for three course meals for 30 hangers-on here.

So it was with some surprise to learn that this year's event was at some point in doubt and with the possibility that next year's festival might not happen.

I am expressing my disappointment at this thought, as I am sure the thousands who also attended this amazing day out will be feeling the same.

So come on Durham and Derwentside councils, let's not lose this important date in the music calendar and let's keep the music live. - Colin McNeillie, Newton Aycliffe.

BREAST CANCER

ONE in nine women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.

For this reason, I'm urging you to support Cancer Research UK's new campaign, "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer".

Focusing on the progress being made in tackling a disease which affects our mothers, sisters, grandmothers, daughters and friends, it also highlights the ways we can make a difference by raising money to fund research.

Cancer Research UK supports world-class scientists, doctors and nurses. They work tirelessly to find out more about breast cancer, improve treatments and make people more aware of the disease and its causes.

This work must continue. You can help by getting involved. Thousands of different fundraising events will be happening throughout the UK from now until the end of October

These include a family of 40 sponsored walks which range from 10km hikes to shorter strolls, suitable for everyone. To find your nearest walk, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/makingstrides

Or you can Think Pink and organise your own event at work or with friends and family. To find out more call the Events Hotline on 0870 1602040.

The money raised will go straight towards vital research, giving hope to women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. - Honor Blackman.