Sir, - I am writing about two letters in last week's issue (D&S, Mar 23). The first was about two Asian girls who had obtained a lottery grant to take their aunts and mothers out.

What was the person who wrote it complaining about? Was it the fact that they got up and worked for something nice for their aunts and mothers, was it that they were young or female, or could it possibly be because they were Asian?

It makes me sad there is still prejudice against people because of their race. Had it have been two older, white, middle-class women who had got this grant, I believe the letter might not have been written.

Farmers are in a truly awful state at the moment, and I won't insult anyone by professing to know "exactly how they feel", but that doesn't mean that all "spare" money should be given to them. Did this woman not want cash to go to these two girls because they were Asian? Also, whoever said culture was trivial?

Secondly, there was a letter published about the TV soap Emmerdale. For the writer to know such detail about it shows that he obviously watched it; someone's being a little hypocritical.

As someone who watches the programme from time to time, I know that there is no gratuitous violence or sex scenes. I also think the writer may be a bit of a homophobe as he takes exception to "homosexuals and lesbians getting their fare share of promotion".

What would he like? For them all to be swept up and put in a cupboard?

In relation to the writer's views about the excessive drinking and demented "youngsters", most TV programmes reflect life to some degree. To change an image in a mirror you have to change what is being reflected before the reflection will alter.

Finally, the author shouldn't call teenagers "youngsters". It's patronising.

SALLY REA

Laurel Cottage,

Newton-le-Willows.

Trees neglected

Sir, - It was interesting to read the proposals put forward by Mr Cliff Evans of Durham Wildlife Trust in respect of Cemetery Lane, Darlington.

While no one would criticise his good intention, the detail of his scheme requires examination.

The visual amenity of many of the peripheral trees are akin to electricity pylons due to years of management neglect of this woodland.

A considerable number of such trees border the boundaries of residences in Hummersknott Avenue and Caedmon Crescent presenting a clear threat to property and residents which has been demonstrated by failing trees and branches over many years.

The idea of planting more trees in similar circumstances would be imprudent to say the least. Perhaps Mr Elliot and Mr Evans would like to meet some of the local residents, review photographs and discuss when to put the existing house in order before starting a new plan.

C V JOHNSON

Caedmon Crescent,

Darlington.

Jobs for the boys

Sir, - Those in favour of a North-East regional assembly have certainly had a free run in promoting their views.

It seems that many, if not all, Labour politicians are in favour and this is combined with support from many quarters in the media.

However when you speak to people on the doorsteps very few believe a regional assembly would have any positive impact on the problems we face in the North-East, and that is to say nothing of their concerns about the costs.

The only jobs an assembly would be guaranteed to create would be "jobs for the boys" - and that means yet more politicians at the taxpayers' expense.

I am also concerned about the implications for the UK as a whole if we continue to fragment our political system. The danger is that if we over- complicate our system of government we will be seriously meddling with the process by which politicians can be held to account, thereby weakening the democratic structures that support our nation.

It is simply misguided idealism that presumes more government is better government.

MARTIN CALLANAN MEP

Conservative - North East Region.

Jesmond,

Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Old story

Sir, - Further to your front page report, "Over the top calming measures to slow traffic through Great Ayton" (D&S Mar 9) you may be interested in the following from page 161 of a History of the Village,

"30th August 1904. Fred Hutton proposed and George Button seconded that the attention of Police be called to the great speed Motors and Motor Bicycles run through the village, which they consider dangerous."

P A LAWSON.

Guisborough Road,

Great Ayton.

l More Letters to the Editor on

page 26.