SAD REFLECTIONHOW sad a reflection it is on modern society where we find it totally acceptable to imprison a pensioner for seven days for owing less than £100 council tax and yet, according to your report (Echo, Oct 11), we find it appropriate to fine a couple only £100 each for causing cruelty to a dog.

The pain and discomfort this dog suffered beggars belief. People who cause suffering to animals such as this deserve nothing less than a term of imprisonment. More unbelievable is the statement from their solicitor who said: "The cruelty was through something they didn't do, rather than a deliberate act of cruelty."

This man was speaking on behalf of two people who are a disgrace to the human race.

Magistrates, get your act together, and start throwing the full weight of the law at such people as these. - Norman Smith, Newton Aycliffe.

POTTERY MYSTERY

I THINK the figure shown on the piece of pottery reproduced on the front page (Echo, Oct 14) was not a gladiator, but a charioteer.

Chariot racing was to the Romans what football is to the North-East of England. A Roman poet said there was more public mourning over a team defeat than over a lost military campaign, and a riot that started in the racing arena ended up burning down half the city of Constantinople.

The charioteer wore a leather breech-clout, gaiters and crash helmet and carried a whip and a knife to cut himself free of the reins of his four-horse team, which were wrapped round his waist, if the chariot crashed.

Supporters wore distinctive strips and picked fights with the supporters of other teams and bought souvenir mugs showing the favourite drivers and their favourite horses.

They even paid to have silver statues of their heroes erected in the arena and Porphyrios, the charioteer, was as well known then as David Beckham is now. - TJ Towers, Langley Park, Durham.

SKY BOWL

RE Mary Hawgood's letter about the Durham Sky Bowl (HAS, Oct 12).

Thank you for the support given to the opinion that Durham Cathedral needs no enhancement, Chinese or otherwise.

The cathedral in Durham is among the most spectacular in the world and, as you so rightly say, to think of any structure, modern or otherwise, overshadowing it is an insult.

Your letter has heartened many of us who had come to believe that councillors, generally, no longer have a conscience with regard to the community and its needs.

The biggest union, the GMB, has come down in favour of the 'Wok', which is a surprising stance for it to take considering it marches alongside miners' union banners at the Durham Miners' Gala and is also heavily involved in supporting former miners' claims for injury compensation.

How can a union like the GMB support the Durham Sky bowl project when the cost has not been agreed? Are they encouraging the people of Durham to buy a 'Pig in a Poke'?

Are we about to purchase a menagerie for Durham City? We already have the white elephant, The Gala Theatre - again at an enormous cost.

It's time for the people of Durham to unite, for in the words of the union banners: Unity is Strength. - Keith Hutchinson, for and on behalf of Brandon Heritage Group.

LABOUR PARTY

RE your story about Councillor Ken Walker being suspended from the Labour Party (Echo, Oct 19) because he dare to speak up for the people he represents and who voted him to be their councillor. I find it totally unbelievable that he has not received any support from his party to help him do his job. I just hope other councillors have read this article and wept.

Well done for Councillor Walker, who represents Gresham in Middlesbrough, for standing up to the Labour council. I do hope that he will resign from the Labour Party and join a party that allows him to work for the people. Keep up the good work. I do wish that the Darlington councillors who believe closing Hurworth School is wrong would also resign from their party and join another that listens to the people.

If they are true councillors and fulfilling their job properly, they should do the descent thing. Join another party, or risk not being voted for next time. - Julie Jones, Darlington.

CLOSED CIRCUIT TV

AM I the only person who is totally sick of and concerned about the blanket CCTV coverage we are now subjected to in this country?

I go away for a week and come back to find two very invasive cameras have gone up in Stanley.

I've got nothing to hide and therefore should have nothing to fear. Nevertheless, I don't like the thought of someone being able to follow my every move.

If I were to follow someone around a town, watching what they did and where they went, I'd rightfully be arrested. Well that's exactly what we're all subjected to whenever we go out.

The effectiveness of CCTV also has to be questioned.

I was assaulted under the nose of a camera at Annfield Plain. It obviously didn't prevent the assault, nor has it led to any convictions.

Cameras are also responsible for the hoodie culture, which is precisely what a lot of people find intimidating (and which the local authorities/police use as an excuse to put up more cameras).

I don't think that there is another European country that has the surveillance we do. Even New York, a city that should be paranoid, doesn't have a camera on every corner like us.

Personally, I believe the Government looks on the bombings on July 7 as the best thing since 9/11. It has given them the excuse to introduce loads of population controlling measures, all under the blanket of public safety. - LG O'Reilly, Burnhope, Co Durham.

MATURE STUDENTS

I AM gathering information for a proposed publication about the experiences of mature students.

Returning to study at any level after a break is an important decision and a choice that has many implications for yourself and others around you. For many, it is a journey towards a more fulfilling and lucrative future, and yet along the way you may meet obstacles that are specifically directed towards mature students and which create an extra challenge.

It will be helpful and interesting to share some of our experiences. I would love to hear your stories. How did your family and friends react? How did you get on with the younger students? Any tips about enrolment, exams, revision, and student life?

Please contact me. You don't have to provide any personal details, but I will happily keep in contact if you wish to do so. I really appreciate any input and look forward to providing an interesting read and positive reference tool for the important community of mature students and other interested parties. - Helen Clark, 155 Dobbin Hill, Ecclesall, Sheffield, S11 7JF or e-mail: helen.clark155@btinternet.com