Hear All Sides

GM CROPS

RECENT reports of proposed GM crop trials in County Durham add yet more worries to some farmers and others.

The Government and some experts say there's no fear of GM crops affecting other crops, wildlife or natural habitats. The GM crops will have corridors between them and other crops so the wind won't blow pollen/weeds onto non-GM areas. Oh?

Other experts say foot-and-mouth disease can be a wind blown virus and can travel miles and miles. Funny for winds to choose what they can blow and where to.

Vegetarians choose not to eat animals etc for health and/or compassionate reasons and they don't want Frankenstein fruit, veg and cereals.

It's more than enough that "science" has perverted animal life (for commercial reasons) without degrading the basic staff of life too. - EM Johnson, Crook.

ELECTIONS

WHATEVER the date of the General Election or county council elections, you may be interested to know of recent changes to the criteria for eligibility to vote by post.

Once the preserve of the sick, infirm or workers away from home on election day, postal votes are now available to anyone registered to vote.

Under the slogan 'Make life easier to have your say, apply for a postal vote today' the Communications Workers' Union has embarked upon a campaign to promote the facility amongst its members and would encourage the wider electorate to do likewise.

It is hoped that increased use of postal votes will ensure a higher return of votes, thereby increasing democratic accountability. And all without having to go out to the polls on election day.

The closing date for applications is April 25 and simple-to-complete forms are available from the Electoral Registration Office at local council offices. - PR Gaham, Branch Secretary and Political Officer, Communication Workers Union.

COUNCIL TAX

HOW can Darlington Council justify an increase in the rates of 12.5 per cent when the Government guideline was for an increase limited to 4.5 per cent?

Local government minister Hilary Armstrong has stated that there is no need for huge rate increases this year.

To say that Darlington's rates are among the lowest in the area is no answer. We expected that when we voted for a unitary authority.

How much of the rate increase is for reserves and why is it necessary? Unless the reserves that were in place have been run down, in which case, what were they spent on? No thought has been given to the Darlington ratepayers when arriving at this savage increase.

The council should feel compelled to explain itself. - K Peacock, Hurworth Place, Darlington.

SUPERMARKETS

I WONDER how many shoppers check down their shopping list before they leave the store.

It is easy to do as all the larger supermarkets print clearly on the receipt special offers. I always check that I got my "three for two" or "buy one get one free". Also check that the list you have shows the articles you actually bought.

I frequently end up at customer service desks where they find there has been a breakdown in communications 'twixt shelf and till.

It makes me wonder at the gains these stores could make. The latest - I bought two grapefruit at 29p each; on the receipt two nectarines 39p each. Not a lot but it mounts up. - Joyce Rutter, Richmond.

UNINSURED DRIVERS

I NOTE with interest the article (Echo, Mar 20) regarding uninsured drivers.

I like the French system. When you insure your vehicle you receive a standard green form, remove the small corner certificate and you must display it in your vehicle window for all the world to see. I realise this is not foolproof, but look at the advantages.

Anyone who has been to France with a car will have noticed how the police choose the road just outside a supermarket at a busy time to check on motorists.

I no longer need to buy vignette (Road Tax) for our car, because the French government abolished this tax last year. Can you imagine this happening in the UK? - J Wragg, Stockton.

VOLUNTARY SERVICE

LEADERS of the three main political parties have voiced their support for voluntary and community activities.

Now, all MPs are being urged to put their parties' words into action, as the National Centre for Volunteering issues the Volunteers' Week VIP Challenge, challenging them to volunteer for a day, preferably during Volunteers' Week (June 1-7). Will readers help us by contacting their MPs and parliamentary candidates and challenging them to "shake a leg and lend a hand"?

Readers wanting to know more about the Volunteers' Week VIP Challenge, how to get in touch with their local politicians and more about the week in general should visit www.volunteersweek.org.uk or write to us at Regent's Wharf, 8 All Saints Street, London, N1 9RL. - Fiona Shadbolt, Head of UK Volunteers' Week.

MENCAP

CAN you help me find thrill-seekers eager to conquer their fear and leap out of a plane for charity? I'm leading Mencap's search for brave locals prepared to raise the minimum sponsorship and take the plunge at a participating local parachute centre. In return, they'll get all the training they need, and the leap itself will be free.

We desperately need your help. In the time it takes to watch a game of football, two babies with a learning disability will be born in the UK. Why not score a goal for Mencap? Make this your challenge for 2001 and help children and adults with a learning disability get their own sporting chance in life.

Please call 0845 9777779 to receive your parachute pack, e-mail: eventsap.