Sir, - This week saw the 100th day since the introduction of the Euro currency across most of Europe. From now on every day the pressure for the UK to join up will grow stronger and stronger

Figures out this week on levels of inward investment show the UK suffering a much more severe fall than Europe as a whole, further evidence that the longer we stay out the greater the damage to our economic prospects.

Before the single currency came into operation, the anti-European fanatics were predicting chaos and disaster. They have been proved totally wrong. The first 110 days have demonstrated that there have been no serious problems and it has been universally accepted within the countries now inside the eurozone.

We see our companies having to stand by as their competitors across Europe are able to trade at lower costs - and there is clear evidence that many inward investors don't want to know Britain so long as we stay on the outside.

This is brought starkly into focus by figures from the Ernst and Young European Investment monitor showing there was a fall in inward investment across Europe as a whole last year of 12pc, but in the UK the fall was almost three times the European average - a frightening 34pc.

This summer millions of Britons will travel to mainland Europe, use the Euro coins and notes and come back home simply baffled why we haven't signed up as well. They will add to the ever-louder demands from business for an early decision on joining a single currency which is proving successful - and is here to stay.

DAVID BOWE

MEP Yorkshire and Humber region

Leeds.

Help keep the £1

Sir, - We are a non-political group dedicated to preserving the £1 and Britain's independence.

We call upon any interested parties to form a pool of support, to assist at country shows throughout North Yorkshire.

For details, please telephone Don Furness 01642 778302, or Stella Harper 01642 778032.

S M HARPER

East Bank House,

Chop Gate,

Bilsdale.

Euro assistance

Sir, - European regional aid and the North East was the theme of a talk given to the Tees Area Branch of the European Movement in Darlington's Arts Centre earlier this month.

Malcolm Craggs from the Government Office for the North East in Newcastle outlined the significant contribution of European Structural Fund Programmes in helping expand new economic strategies in a region badly hit by change.

Over the next seven years programmes approved in collaboration between the North-East and Brussels will bring in £450m (to be matched by regional funding) as a spur to creating new businesses, supporting existing firms, improving exporting, and targeting the social needs of disadvantaged communities.

Appraisal of needs, co-ordinated planning, and action will be the task of a partnership of central Government, a network of local authorities and regional development agencies, and Brussels. Europe, said Mr Craggs, is very tangibly aiding the regeneration of the North-East.

DAVID J WHITTAKER

Vice-Chairman, Tees Area Branch, European Movement,

Mile Planting,

Richmond.

Travel tokens

Sir, - Just to set matters straight, I felt it worthwhile to respond to Mr Booth's letter (D&S Apr 5) about travel tokens - as the issue will no doubt be of interest to many of your readers.

The council has introduced a concessionary bus fares scheme. This was a Government requirement. Given the rural nature of our area, I am not sure that we would have introduced such a scheme to the letter, but would have preferred to tailor a scheme to our rural needs. That said, we did not have that choice and had to increase our community transport budgets, also supporting community minibuses and car schemes, by approximately £100,000.

We have recently amended the scheme so that carers of those with disabilities enjoy the same travel concession.

We have also agreed to look again at the issue of tokens in lieu of a concessionary fare pass for those who might benefit from this, for example disabled people. We have not said "no" and will be looking at this again as soon as we have reliable information on the uptake of the concessionary fares scheme and can determine the budget impact of further changes which might support local circumstances better.

Coun JUNE IMESON

Leader, Hambleton District Council,

Stone Cross,

Northallerton.

Police points

Sir, - I see that the police are to get even more council taxpayers' money, thanks to that unelected body of people, the police authority.

Taxpayers are now expected to pay up to 40pc more towards police upkeep.

The only increases the tax payer is going to see for the £2,800,000 are in amount of crime and the number of police officers retiring on the sick.

Why do the police not invest their contributions for their pensions like everyone else has to, instead of always relying on hand-outs?

P WEAVER

The Maltings

Sowerby

Thirsk