NOT FORGOTTEN: I WOULD like to thank The Northern Echo for the exemplary work you have done with the Forgotten Hero appeal to raise awareness and funds for the bronze statue of Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

By partnering with the Winnipeg Free Press and the children of the Middleton St George Primary School, you have ensured that Pilot Officer Mynarski's selfless act of heroism on the night of June 12, 1944, will not be forgotten.

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) does not and cannot stand alone in honouring veterans' achievements and sacrifices.

All Canadians owe a debt of gratitude to veterans and VAC welcomes private initiatives to complement its commemorative efforts.

The Northern Echo is to be commended for its efforts in the commemoration of Pilot Officer Mynarski and recognising his legacy. - The Honourable Albino Guarnieri, PC MP, Canada.

ARRIVA BUSES

I WOULD like to respond to factually inaccurate comments made by Mr Scott (HAS, Aug 3) relating to Arriva services in Kelloe.

On the 57 service, Kelloe has two buses per hour that go to Durham - allowing customers to access a range of local services including post offices, opticians, shops, and hospitals.

It is true that Kelloe no longer has a direct service to Trimdon. However, customers can use the 57 service to Coxhoe, and then change to the 55 service to reach Trimdon.

We have ensured that through ticketing is in place for these journeys so that customers do not have to pay more.

Anyone who would like more information about any of our services, or help with journey planning, can contact our customer comment helpline on 08701 20 10 88, traveline on 0870 608 2 608, or use our website - www.arrivabus.co.uk - Liz Esnouf, Commercial Director, Arriva North East.

ASHOK KUMAR

I REFER to the small article on page five (Echo, Aug 2). The headline and part of the text is, I believe, quite misleading.

The context of the issue relates to a meeting I attended with Cleveland's Chief Constable and the chair of the Cleveland Police Authority. This was the first time I have been at the Ladgate Lane Police HQ for some considerable time.

You will, of course, be aware of the long-standing issues surrounding Operation Lancet, and which I actively campaigned on recent years. At that time I said I would not set foot inside Ladgate Lane until a new regime was in place.

Your article firstly says that today's meeting was 'a U-turn'. It was not. The new regime is in place and I am now happy to deal, and work in collaboration with, both the Chief Constable and the chair of the Police Authority.

Given that, I am happy to meet at the Ladgate Lane site. Secondly, the article says that 'I walked out of a previous meeting'. I did not. The last meeting I had at Ladgate Lane was amicable and although it dealt, in part, with Lancet, it was before the full reality of the debacle that was to come unfolded. It was then that I made my vow never again to visit until there was a new regime in place. - Ashok Kumar MP, House of Commons, London.

MUSLIM RELIGION

THE Rev Paul Walker's article (HAS, Aug 1) was a very interesting insight into the Muslim religion and its demands on the faithful, and his final question to Muslims of the way they see themselves with regard to the title British Muslims is a very valid point.

Many things in our Western society are to be deplored but not our freedoms; the right to think and speak freely is a precious and fundamental privilege and no amount of threats or atrocities should or will ever take that right away.

Those who disagree with that have the freedom to leave and live in the more repressive societies they seem to prefer but also should ask themselves what they really want.

Is it fear of the freedom to question their faith and find it wanting or is it more to do with the politics of submission, keeping people, particularly their women, ignorant, uneducated and knowing their place, as an underclass?

They should also remember it is that freedom of their rights that this country acknowledges that allows them to move freely amongst us without fear.

The Koran is a wonderful civilised document, a bible about the rights of its followers, a powerful book strong enough to cope with doubts and questions. These extremists merely sully its name with their violence. Shame on them. - Mrs S Harnby, Stockton.

POLICE ROLE

TONY Blair has added his voice to the official expressions of regret over the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

"At the same time therefore, in expressing our sorrow and deep sympathy for the death that has happened, it is important that we support them (the police) in doing the job they have to do in order to protect people in this country," he said.

However, the Home Office refused to comment on reports that the Brazilian was in London illegally, having outstayed the period of his visa.

But foreign secretary Jack Straw said: "I don't have any precise information about his immigration status here. My understanding is that he was here lawfully."

Maybe he was, but clearly there was nothing lawful about the killing of Jean Charles de Menezes.

The best support that can be given to the people in these times of terrorist attacks is the knowledge that facts are not 'swept under the carpet'.

The British public need to know that the police are not a law unto themselves in order that proper support can be given with confidence.

Perhaps now is a good time to ask: is our police service properly accountable with a workable complaints procedure? I fear the answer is no. - Peter Troy, Sedgefield.

ROAD SURFACES

SO road surfaces in Darlington have improved in the last five years?

Not for drivers of ordinary cars. With humps and protuberances everywhere we have reached the point where we need a 4x4 to get about. Surely the council has noticed that the people who drive recklessly in the first place are not deterred by these assault courses?

I have driven in the town for 17 years and see no improvements. As I drive safely to start with I don't need a hump or a chicane to control my speed.

Let the police deal with the speeders and leave the roads for those of us who only want to get safely from A to B. - R Hubery, Darlington.

ROYAL FAMILY

I MUST answer the letter from A Jones (HAS, July 27) who, I think, should go to live in a presidential run country.

Many other countries in the world are always very pleased to entertain our beloved Royals and as for the snide remark about their lifestyles, he wouldn't let anyone run his life, I'm sure.

Just look at the recent photo in the Echo. What a happy lovely couple Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall look. He has never ever looked so good.

Best wishes to Charles and Camilla and all the Royal family. Long may they live. - Joan Bowes, Darlington.