30/07/04

While this doesn't come as a surprise, the dismissive attitude of the county council spokesman does. He asserts that the "vast majority (of incidents) were caused by drivers trying to avoid the charge". This effectively criminalises the victims rather than offering any sympathy.

He compounds his insensitive stance by stating the council is "not deaf to what people say". He says that 111 is a tiny percentage of the 150,000 cars that have used the system - odds of just over 1,000-1.

When an incident happened to my brother, the council spokesman came out with the same line. My brother, a clergyman who knows the system, has an electronic pass and was not therefore attempting to avoid the charge. His car was written off and he was traumatised, describing the impact like being hit by an invisible juggernaut.

Does the council spokesman really believe that people risk the destruction of their car, severe trauma and injury to avoid a £2 toll? In showing no humility he implies that it is natural justice to inflict such injury to person and property and, even if some had tried to avoid the charge, is it right to destroy the car, psychologically damage the occupants and even risk their serious injury - all for £2.

While the success of limiting the traffic is undoubted, the system is severely flawed. Please change this device before it creates even more serious consequences. - Dr Robert McManners, Bishop Auckland.

HOSPITALS

IT WAS without surprise that I read (Echo, July 21) that the South Tees Acute Hospital Trust had been demoted from two stars to one.

The trust was criticised because too many outpatients were waiting too long for an appointment.

In April this year, I had major surgery at South Tees Hospital. On discharge, I was sent a follow-up appointment, not for the usual six weeks after the operation, but for September - six months after the operation.

As I had been discharged with post-operative complications, plus a wish to see another consultant, I wrote to the hospital for an explanation.

I was told that follow-up patients were put off until the waiting lists for new patients had been reduced. - AE Carr, Darlington.

SEVERAL months ago I saw a surgeon at Bishop Auckland Hospital.

A bone in my shoulder is pressing on muscle and nerves making my arm practically useless. I cannot grip or raise my arm above shoulder height.

I received a letter some weeks ago which I thought would be a date for surgery.

It turned out to be a letter from a waiting list manager at the waiting list office at Darlington hospital.

This shows how top heavy the NHS is with managers who could not tell the difference between a scalpel and a hacksaw.

This waiting list manager will have offices and staff which are paid for at the expense of not having another surgeon or hospital equipment. - K Archbold, Bishop Auckland.

COCKERTON

I READ with interest your account of the benefits of Cockerton shopping.

I agree, Cockerton has a charm all of its own. One thing was missing from your advertising feature: there was no mention of the three churches, St Mary's, Holy Family and Cockerton Methodist Church, which offer a warm welcome and fellowship to all.

The Credit Union was started by the church and many people find it very helpful.

The church plays an important role in Cockerton and should be included in a list of good things to enjoy. - M Barron, Darlington.

ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

HOW I agree with a ban on airguns and catapults (HAS, July 20).

My window has been shattered and will cost me £58 to repair. I am a pensioner and live alone. There's the initial shock of the window breaking, and also the stress of finding someone to do the repair.

The police took a statement and photographed the damage. Victim Support phoned me. But the perpetrator will not be found and I will live in fear of it happening again.

I have written to Tony Blair outlining local problems and was told I would be invited to a meeting where my letter would be read out, but I was never notified of any such meeting.

I and a neighbour made statements about a youth pointing an airgun at my window some time ago but when the police visited the culprit's home, he said he didn't own a gun. As the police couldn't find a gun, the case collapsed due to inefficient evidence.

After that, the gas cowl on my outer wall was pulled off - presumably in revenge.

Discipline is needed in this country. I am writing in the hope that the pen is mightier than the sword and can bring back some sanity to this lovely world of ours. - Name supplied, West Cornforth, Durham.

FATHERS4JUSTICE

FATHERS are living in a world of make believe, giving their children second choice amid their selfish demands.

Most of us abide by the rules of the sanctity of marriage.

After 61 years of marriage, I speak of give and take, always thinking of family life. It takes two to bring a family up, putting aside all personal temptations. Even when you fall out, you should always hold hands in bed - that's family true love and respect for each other. - Raymond Reed, Richmond.

DURHAM PENFRIEND

AS a native of County Durham now living in Blackpool, I used to correspond with a number of penfriends. As the years have passed, they've dwindled away one by one, finding new lives, getting married and having children with no time to write (or is it just me)?

May I ask if any of your readers are interesting in a postal friendship? I enjoy sharing, news, views, moans and groans, having a natter on paper.

Unfortunately, this doesn't include free digs. - Clifford Chambers, 51 Ashton Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 4AG.

POLICE

ALL serving police offices are to be banned from belonging to the British National Party (Echo, July 29) on the basis that the BNP is not an inclusive party. This, it has to be remembered, is a force that includes a Black Police Officers Association section whose only purpose is to promote the rights of its membership against other unrepresented sections.

Surely, the police force should desist from practising such double standards, refrain from involvement in politics, and ensure the job of tackling crime is its one and only goal. - Mark Anderson, Middleton St George.

THANKS

THE recent Gala Charity Concert given by the North-East Theatre Organ Association for the Bishop Auckland General Hospital Rehabilitation Unit realised £2,428.50. Many thanks to all concerned. - TC Musgrave, Crook.