21/07/2004

The paper states that the growth of rail freight is "an important contribution to the Government's sustainable distribution strategy" and that "use of rail rather than roads for freight transport can in some cases bring environmental and societal benefits".

However, I have serious concerns that - as is often the case - the North of England may be ignored when it comes to investing in infrastructure. The White Paper makes specific references to inefficient use of the rail network, "particularly on busy sections...for example, routes from ports which currently have to transit around London". But why are southern ports being used to serve the Midlands and beyond?

It makes more sense for importers to use northern ports which, unlike southern ports, have the capacity to accommodate an increased number of ships and containers.

Clearly - at a time when the Government is preparing to invest in rail freight - serious consideration should be given to investing in the rail infrastructure of the North, and in particular the infrastructure for freight such as trains of containers. This would allow importers to better serve their customers in the North and at the same time reduce shippers' working capital and relieve southern port, road and rail congestion.

The abolition of the Strategic Rail Authority should not allow any further delay in addressing the shortcomings of gauge restrictions, insufficient passing loops and lack of funds for freight facility grants.

As the Government seeks to improve the efficiency of rail freight, I urge Mr Darling and Network Rail to look very carefully at the efficiency of southern versus northern ports - and the rail freight possibilities on offer. Perhaps a visit to northern ports such as Teesport would persuade Mr Darling that the future lies a long way north of London? - Martyn Pellew, Group Development Director, PD Ports plc (Tees and Hartlepool ports).

Billingham PLANS

THE Billingham Partnership issued a statement on July 15 that referred to a joint working group with the Save Our Theatre group. The idea is not new and we are deeply suspicious of the timing.

The announcement of the creation of a business plan to incorporate the Forum Theatre into a retail development does not alter our view in any way. We are determined to seek a public inquiry about the plans for Billingham town centre.

People still suffer anxiety over the controversial proposals and a transparent hearing is the only fair way to resolve the complex issues involved. The announcement by the Billingham Partnership simply adds fuel to the level of public concern.

Stockton Council, on the other hand, has made its position abundantly clear. It has designated the Forum/Theatre site in the Local Plan as "convenience shopping". The Local Plan was approved by full council on May 19. It would need to be altered to incorporate the theatre and that would require another round of public consultation.

The council's planning committee voted to demolish the Forum and the theatre on May 22. The council has allocated £6.5m in the budget for the demolition.

Our view is steadfast: the Forum lies at the heart of Billingham. The theatre that everyone loves, along with John Whitehead Park, should be protected and improved for future generations.

We have been led to believe that all developments are plan-led, hence we seek a public inquiry to clarify a growing nightmare scenario. - Fred Jones, on behalf of Friends of John Whitehead Park, Billingham.

CRIME

ONE should be grateful that the Chancellor in last week's spending review made funds available for increased policing.

However, I have reservations about the way the money will be spent - mainly on increasing the number of community support officers rather than on tried and proven policing methods.

The Government's idea is to boost police visibility on the streets and so reduce anti-social behaviour. But although these support officers are in uniform, they do not have the same powers of arrest as a police officer and they are being put on the streets to offer "an increased layer of reassurance to the public". They are not intended to reduce crime, so much as to reduce the fear of crime.

A recent survey revealed that well over half - 59 per cent - of businesses have been the victims of crime in the last year. Worryingly, 38 per cent of business revealed that they do not report crime to the police because it would not achieve anything.

The value of putting police back into the community is that they inter-relate with that community and pick up vital intelligence. That is what solves crime.

We all want effective policing, not gesture politics. I fear we got the latter and the former is no closer. - Peter Troy, Chairman of Darlington Branch of the Federation of Small Business.

THE NHS

PEOPLE who can afford to are walking proud with their designer glasses from their optician and shining white smiles from their dentist.

The other side of the coin reveals long queues of people, three deep, desperately trying to get dental treatment which they can afford or feel they deserve after contributing to the NHS throughout their working lives.

The needs of these people should be provided separately, without the frills offered by private opticians and dentists, within the NHS, for children and students, those without earnings and pensioners who deserve to be cared for in retirement.

Now is the time to secure these changes as the budgets and controls for these services are devolving to local primary trusts next April 1. - George Appleby, Clifton, York.

CYCLISTS

I WAS surprised to read (Echo, July 3) that cyclists in Darlington are to be randomly stopped by police as part of a crackdown on bicycle thefts.

Wouldn't it be sensible to stop cyclists riding on pavements (in contravention of the Road Traffic Act) issuing on the spot fines - and at the same time question them about ownership of the cycle? - R Elliott, Darlington.

DAY CARE

I WOULD like to thank County Councillor Christine Smith for her letter (HAS, July 15) which gives a fair, balanced and reasonable approach to the subject of large day care centres.

It is the approach which can form a basis for proper discussion and consultation, and hopefully ensure that the real beneficiaries are people with learning disabilities.

I would also like to thank her for arranging the meeting at County Hall at which I and my colleague, Mr T Scott, were able to present our concerns and criticisms. These were listened to in an acceptable manner. - J Routledge, Witton Gilbert.