25/03/2004

Is it not clear that one of the main causes of worldwide terrorism is the Middle East problem, the ongoing abuse and humiliation of the Palestinians by the Israelis?

Given Tony Blair's close relationship with, and apparent influence on, George Bush, should he not put more pressure on him to take a stronger line with Israel?

We need to treat the causes of terrorism, not just the symptoms. - Ted Jeavons, Middlesbrough.

MINERS' STRIKE

HOW amazingly diverse has been the aftermath of the miners strike of 1984, as depicted recently in Nick Morrison's and Christen Pears's contrasting articles - the one self-pitying and bitter the other uplifting and quite remarkable.

Mr Cummings should take note of the way 'Scargill's slags' took the horrendous event in their stride, no wallowing in self-pity for them. Suffering great hardship, they did what was needed and then seized the opportunity to not only improve themselves but the things around them - a force to be reckoned with and admired and they showed those who gave them that infamous title that they were bigger than their detractors.

Having the right to different opinions is called democracy. Mr Cummings' beliefs border on dictatorship and to waste a lifetime in anger and bitterness over the past, however unpalatable, is both sad and self-defeating and punishes only himself.

I await with great interest the story of the policeman's lot. - S Harnby, Stockton-on-Tees.

COUNCIL TAX

I WOULD like to know how the people of Darlington feel about their council tax bill this year.

In particular, the place on their bill where it states Durham Police Authority, and under the percentage increase column it states a 15 per cent rise.

I will tell them how this increase has come about. It has come not from putting more police on the streets to solve crime, but from having to foot the bill for George Bush to visit our county, under the maximum of security and the maximum of expenditure.

An ill-advised visit at best. The closest he got to Darlington was Teesside Airport. So can anyone tell me why the good people of Darlington should have to pay?

Get your hand in your pocket Mr Blair. You brought him to your constituency, you pay for it. Don't penalise the people whose support you need for the upcoming election, or you may just find yourself looking for a new job. - SD Craggs, Darlington.

THE rate of council tax in ratio to the services that are now supplied is completely out of context and I am sure nobody in local government can give a satisfactory answer to the colossal rise in the tax we are now expected to pay.

When I cam to this district in 1981, the rates for my property were £52 per annum for, if not better services overall, as good as today.

Now the council tax for the same property is in excess of £1,000 per annum. Yes, I do realise that prices have risen but not by over 2,000 per cent. That is ridiculous.

I have three questions to be answered by anyone in the know or any councillor who passes these remarkable rises on, without giving any satisfactory explanation for the rises.

1. Where do the people on fixed incomes get the money from to pay these extra charges, knowing that they cannot just given themselves a big pay rise when it suits them like some do?

2. If we had a regional government how would this reduce the costs to the electorate so that it would show it had been duly costed before the vote takes place and cannot be altered afterwards?

3. Which alternative, for the representation of the voters, will be the best without any bias, that will give this area a better future, considering that most of the present cabinet is comprised of northern MPs that do nothing for the area?

I look forward to a few responsible answers. - R Groves, Crook.

ELITE HALL

I AGREE with a recent correspondent (HAS, Mar 20) who expressed sadness at the proposed closure of the Elite Hall at Crook.

I concede that pure economics may have deemed this necessary as the facility is losing around £900 a week, but it makes a complete mockery of the current campaign to merge Wear Valley, Teesdale and Sedgefield as an authority to provide all services.

What a joke! Wear Valley, one of the more vociferous voices in the Local Choice, Local Voice campaign, claims that the merged districts would reflect community needs better.

If their approach to community service budgets is their idea of responding to the community's needs, it only demonstrates to the general public that the commitment in the Local Choice, Local Voice campaign is a sham and should be taken with a pinch of salt.

The motto of Wear Valley District Council used to be 'Closer to the people'. What has gone wrong? - Name and address supplied.

IN deciding to demolish the Elite Hall in Crook because of its alleged unprofitability, Wear Valley Council has so far conspicuously failed to come up with any facts and figures.

Given that the hall has been run perfectly economically up until now and that it occupies a very special place in the affections of all Crook people, especially the older generation, how about opening the books and showing us what the true position is?

The council has gone about this whole issue very furtively, just as it did in 1986 with the demolition of the beautiful old Co-op building to make way for their grandiose HQ, an architectural monstrosity if ever there was one.

The threat to the Elite has provoked intense local outrage and the council owes it to us to put us fully in the picture. - T Kelly, Crook.

SWIMMING POOL

I AM a resident of Wolsingham and I am saddened to hear of the proposed closure of Wolsingham Pool.

My family have lived here for 19 years and we have used the pool regularly during weekends and school holidays. They have attended swimming club lessons and practised canoeing there. The pool in Crook may not be far away, but for those without transport it is not easily accessible, particularly for families who live further up the dale.

I swim regularly and I am very aware of the benefits of swimming in maintaining a healthy heart. I feel strongly that we need this local facility, particularly as my husband died of a heart attack.

I do hope the council will reconsider its decision and look into ways of funding the pool. - MW Maddocks, Wolsingham.