Hear All Sides

FIREWORKS

THE campaign by shopkeepers to ban the sale of fireworks to the general public (Echo, Nov 5) is an excellent one. No one wants to be branded a killjoy, but surely it is safer for everyone, especially young children, if fireworks are restricted to properly-organised displays.

The thing that most strongly backs the call for the ban is the mischief and downright dangerous behaviour by some people when they are able to buy fireworks weeks ahead of November 5. The loud bangs and damage to property are totally unnecessary and could so easily be prevented.

When it comes to fireworks, whether public displays or private, is it really necessary for them to continue through the night until well past midnight, as was the case this year? Those who let off the loud, repeated explosions between midnight and 1am should have had more consideration for the elderly, the very young trying to sleep and, of course, pets.

One week on and our nights are still being disturbed by barrages of loud explosions late at night.

Ban the sale of fireworks, especially "bangers" of all kinds, to everyone except responsible adult organisers of displays. - EA Moralee, Billingham.

TUBWELL ROW MUSEUM

IN response to J S Stodart (HAS, Nov 6), the objects from the former Tubwell Row Museum were distributed among other registered museums in the North-East, with the exception of items of local significance to Darlington.

These have been retained and are now housed at the Darlington Railway Centre, although not all are currently on display.

Staff in the Library's Local Studies department have tried, without success, to discover the fate of the First World War tank. It appears that it was used for spare parts, as Mr Stodart suggests.

The polar bear spent some time in the public library after the closure of the museum. At present he is on loan to the Captain Cook Museum where he is undergoing some restoration before taking part in an exhibition there.

Eventually he will be returned to Darlington. - P White, Libraries Manager, Darlington Borough Council.

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT

THERE are already the European Commission and Parliament, Westminster Parliament, county councils, district councils and parish/town councils. In addition, there are quangos too numerous to list.

We appear to be over-governed. To add a further layer, without thinking through the present day needs, would be a foolish move.

At present, additional layers are being added without reductions. In fact the current proposals seem to be a giant job creation scheme for politicians, civil servants and local government officers.

It is time for a Royal Commission, or equivalent, with a strict time-keeping remit, to consider and recommend what is the correct format of government to meet the country's present needs.

Until such an exercise is done, consideration of a regional assembly should be put aside. - W Local, Peterlee.

ALONG with the Prime Minister, we have many past and present senior Cabinet Ministers representing the North-East and we still can't get a fair hearing.

So how will promoting life-long under-achieving councillors to a regional assembly prove our saviour.

We have produced brilliant engineers since the Industrial Revolution; we are a people who are good at manufacturing and building.

Many skilled workers have used their core skills and adjusted to ever changing environments. On the other hand many very talented people are lost from the region year after year.

We are a passionate people and given the opportunity a match for any workforce throughout the world.

I have more faith in being represented by business-minded people who own successful companies and know first hand the problems than someone who sees this as a chance to "earn" more expenses from the public purse.

To recruit and retain the best (companies and people) means all the following go hand in hand - good schooling, good transport, good housing, good leisure, good health.

One hundred years of Labour dominance has continually stifled this region. A good workforce is all we can presently offer. - Jim Tague, Bishop Auckland.

EDUCATION

THE achievement gap between the region's boys and girls has narrowed in the last ten years, but stereotypical views are still preventing young women reaching their potential.

Recent figures show they are surging past young men in exam achievement, yet gender inequality persists when it comes to subject choice at 16.

Young women remain grossly under-represented on IT courses, whereas young men remain under-represented on social care programmes. Only 19 out of every 100 young people taking Foundation GNVQ in IT were girls, whereas girls made up 90 per cent of those taking health and social care.

The Equal Opportunities Commission suggest that LEAs, schools, colleges and other providers should adopt positive measures to widen choices for boys and girls at 16.

Several local authorities and learning and skills councils in the North have committed themselves to incorporating equality, social inclusion and diversity related issues into their overall strategic and organisational planning in the near future. - S Lambert, Communications Officer, Newcastle Central Labour Party.