24/12/03

First, we have the usual combination of inaccurate name calling and weak and irrelevant quotes from those in favour of EU integration, then a far more logical and reasoned argument from a fellow member of the UK Indpendence Party.

In response to the former, the vast majority of those against EU membership are not "anti-European". I like Europe. I speak French, German and Dutch. I was involved in school exchanges in France and Germany, and have retained the friendships established then. I have travelled across Europe extensively over the years. Hardly what you would call an "anti-European".

I just don't share the EU's vision of ruling and integrating most of Europe, and instead seek political independence and a free-trade agreement, as Norway and Switzerland have.

As for quoting "there is no question of Britain losing essential sovereignty", Edward Heath later admitted that he knew this wasn't true. Surely the biggest lie in the history of British politics.

I welcome debate from those who are favour of EU membership, but please, keep it real. - Jamie Mash, UK Independence Party.

CALENDAR

THE Earth doesn't travel around the Sun in 52 weeks, as E Reynolds says (HAS, Dec 9). It never has.

It takes exactly 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds to travel around the Sun.

He is right though when he says Britain complicates things.

Just think, if we had been born with 12 digits on our hands and feet. We could have been at home with £sd. - Alan Raper, Darlington.

LANDFILL SITE

I AM responding to the article (Echo, Dec 17) to clarify the respective roles of the Environment Agency and Chester-le-Street District Council in the matter of the former landfill site off Station Lane, Birtley, and to reassure the local community that the matter is not being 'batted' back and forth between the two regulators.

It should be noted that under the current legislation relating to contaminated land introduced in April 2000 it is the local authority which is the lead regulator, not the Environment Agency. Following investigations, any site thought to be contaminated is then determined by the local authority as to whether it is to be dealt with by the local authority or the Environment Agency. This will depend on a number of factors, including the types of contaminants present and whether they are causing off-site pollution.

Initially, Chester-le-Street carried out a preliminary screening of the site to determine what contaminants were present. Agency officers with the agreement of Chester-le-Street officers then applied for additional funding to carry out a more detailed assessment of the site, which has resulted in the latest report.

The latest conclusions are that the site is probably not of the type that would be dealt with by the Environment Agency.

However, recognising the concerns of the local community about this site, the Environment Agency has given an undertaking that it will continue to work with and support the local authority and local community with the shared aim of bringing the matter to a satisfactory and safe conclusion. - John Burns, Area Environment Manager, The Environment Agency.

POLITICS

IT is generally accepted that power often corrupts; this is never more evident than in the world of politics.

The history of the Second World War shows a typical example. Throughout Europe, most countries, when conquered, formed puppet governments, these aiding and assisting the enemy in its takeover.

The members of these puppet governments, had, prior to invasion, for the most part, presented themselves as respected politicians, pillars of society and guardians of the national interest.

These quislings, as they were termed, now showed their true colours. They were nothing but traitors. Scoundrels all, quite willing to wallow in the depths of degradation in furtherance of their own self gratification.

Regrettably history does have the habit of repeating itself. At the present time we have situations, especially in local government, where, throughout living memory, the same political party has held control.

Human nature being what it is, then it's a reasonable assumption that many who support or join the ruling party do so for self interest alone.

One may be excused for wondering if there are any among them, even some who may hold high office, that, should the balance of power change, would they, quisling like, transfer their allegiance from the deposed party to the current ruling one. Trust can only be earned. Politicians, as we are well aware, 'Oh such a tangled web they weave, when they conspire to deceive'. - AW Dunn, Spennymoor.

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

E Turnbull (HAS, Dec 18) seems to have missed the point of my anger.

Anger is a human emotion, as is compassion - what the do-gooders are always dishing out and they have achieved nothing.

My anger is aimed at the convicted murderers.

I have looked inward, and still cannot find it in my heart to forgive, as he or she can.

I am sorry that I am not religious enough.

Does the name Huntley spring to mind? - G Waterhouse, Durham.

TRANSPORT PLANS

YOUR article "Step closer to plan for road safety scheme" (Echo, Dec 2) will have heartened residents in that part of Spennymoor who will benefit from the work.

But while it suggested there had been an undue delay in meeting their demands for the scheme, it offered no explanation for the pace of progress, whereas in fact the reasons are both sound and practical.

The scheme is just one part of a £300,000 package of transport improvements to be introduced by the county council in and around Spennymoor Town Centre over the next three years.

It is essential that, in implementing it, work on all the streets is co-ordinated to avoid traffic diverting to other routes through the residential area.

I have been working with county council officers and local groups to come up with traffic calming proposals that are acceptable to the majority. Not everyone welcomes traffic calming measures, and reaching a solution that residents find acceptable takes a great deal of time and effort.

Moreover, it is important to appreciate the considerable amount of work involved, not least by the residents themselves, in developing an acceptable scheme which addresses the problems that we all face living with modern traffic levels.

On a more positive note, while some parts of the proposals have been slightly delayed, others such as footpath improvements and dropped kerbs to help those with buggies or in wheelchairs, are actually being brought forward. - Councillor E Foster, Durham County Hall.