SIR - I find this Labour-run county council and their greed for themselves absolutely abhorrent - especially in the case of the computers.

I presume this is why the council tax has risen 14.8 per cent this year, which is way above inflation and also the rise in the state pension.

If they want a PC then let them provide them from their own money.

I have been writing to the council regarding a new and decent swimming pool over the years and we are still left with a liquid cesspit I wouldn't throw a dead rat in. Why, when the Abbey Sports Centre was built, was a pool not included?

I've visited council leisure centres in Worthing and Littlehampton and both are excellent, catering for all ages with large pool areas plus fitness gym etc.

The pool area at Worthing is one of the best I've ever seen in this country and many abroad.

Another area of note is the Gala Theatre. I was quite willing to become a friend of the theatre and asked for the concessionary rate for senior citizens. No way, I was informed. How come other theatres in this country and other parts of the world have special rates for being a friend? You get concessionary tickets for performances to boot.

Does this Labour council think that all pensioners in the Durham area are rich? Will I ever vote Labour again after the way we have been treated? No way. I just hear the words 'Labour council' and I feel the vomit rising.

G Percy, Brasside

Park and spend

SIR - Regarding the suggestion to use the Dryburn Hospital site for a Park and Ride scheme.

Because there has always been good relations between the NHS and the City, and because the taxes paid by the people of Durham helped to buy the site in the first place, it should be possible for some accountant to buy the now derelict site for a knock-down price.

The same accountant should be able to persuade whosoever was going to pay the original millions to still pay them, although the cost might be only a fraction of that amount.

It could be argued that the new car parking site is actually worth millions.

The 'profit' from the deal might then be used to reduce or almost eliminate next year's council tax.

A T Hindley. Newton Hall, Durham

Excellent treatment

SIR - Having recently spent six days in University Hospital of North Durham for a total hip replacement, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the medical, nursing and domestic staff of Ward 12 who carried out their roles in a professional and friendly manner.

I would also like to thank the physiotherapist and occupational therapists who got me back on my feet ready for home.

Prior to going into hospital I was visited by occupational therapists to check I had all the equipment I needed for my rehabilitation.

On leaving hospital I was attended by the Hospital at Home for a further eight days. This service is excellent as I was still being cared for but in the comfort of my own home.

The total package of my hospital and home care ran very smoothly and I would like to pay the NHS a massive compliment.

The additional comforts of a personal telephone and TV while in hospital were an added bonus.

G Simpson, Stanley

A lovely city well kept

SIR - I live in Sheffield but spend time visiting Durham. I feel that I must write and tell you how pleasant it is to walk about this ancient city with its well-swept streets and no litter lying around.

I was impressed with the Market Square today. So many were enjoying a picnic in the sun and no litter anywhere.

The council is to be congratulated on the way it runs these things, and its citizens on the way they back them up.

Mrs M Buchanan, Sheffield

Grateful bowlers

SIR - Thank-you to the Havanna Ward councillor, County Councillor Mrs Hunter and our MP Kevan Jones for all the help they gave our club in achieving the things that were needed to keep us going - and for all other things that are unseen but are being done for Stanley.

G T McGlen, Chairman of View Lane Bowling Club, Stanley

Searching for a friend

SIR - I am getting married in August and want to track down an old school friend. Her name is Amy Openshaw and she attended Framwellgate Moor Comprehensive from 1991-1998 and will now be 22 years old. She used to live in Rothbury Road, Newton Hall, Durham. Natalie Lowe,

2 Kerryhill Drive, The Mount, Durham, DH1 5FN.

Tel (0191) 384217