CRIME FIGURES: RECENT figures for recidivism make it clear that we don't have a policing problem; wrongdoers are being caught and convicted quite frequently enough.

We have a sentencing problem. This is due in part to the influence of those who feel that the undoubtedly troubled background of many criminals is somehow an argument for allowing them to run amok. It is also because we have failed to implement long-term detention that is both humane and economical.

Dramatic cost-cutting measures have swept through our manufacturing industry and parts of the service sector, such as call centres, yet appear to be beyond the imagination of the Home Office. - JG Riseley, Harrogate.

TV PLEA

THE makers of 10 Years Younger, Born too Soon and Property Chain, Maverick TV is producing a new six 30-minute series on modern parenting, looking at the social pressures parents face in today's society. We are hoping to collect anecdotes and stories from parents and non-parents on this subject matter.

We are looking to hear from parents who perhaps have moved house to get their kids into a school or feel that they are constantly competing against other parents say for the ultimate birthday party, or even completing their child's homework to make sure that they do well at school.

In the past we have had a great response from a mention in the local newspaper. I hope your readers will be able to help us once again. - Lauren Abery, Maverick Television, 209, Linton Street, London SE1 0LH. (0207) 8031476.

PARKING CONTROLS

I READ about residents of Albert Street, Durham City (Echo, Oct 24) and their rebellion against parking controls.

As a resident within the city parking scheme, I can write from experience.

It is incredible that affluent and so-called educated residents can act just like spoiled children who throw their teddy bears out of their prams just because they don't get their own way.

They are no more special than anyone else in the city, and there are more attractive streets in the city with pay and display meters. Perhaps they should resolve their own problems by getting rid of their second and third cars and 4x4s.

Since the council introduced the parking restrictions in the city, things have improved. Initially, we wanted residents parking only and I think everyone else did too, so we are no different there. However, we accepted what was introduced and that other people want to come to our lovely city and needed to park somewhere.

It is not perfect, but we live in a city centre that simply was not designed for modern day car ownership demands. The council has run this scheme for five years now, so it knows what it is doing and it works.

All I can say to the residents of Albert Street is to stop acting like children and wasting taxpayers' money because you can't have your own way - that's life I'm afraid. - Name and address supplied.

DAVID CAMERON

IN the coming weeks, Conservative Party members across the North-East will be making their choice about who they want to be the next party leader.

Both candidates have a lot to offer and, right from the start, the contest has demonstrated the depth of talent available within the parliamentary party.

However, we firmly believe that one person has shown himself to be outstanding - he has clarity of vision about the future direction of the Conservative Party and the country, he is a passionate politician with the ability to communicate with voters previously untouched by the Conservative message and, already, he has shown he has the respect of a broad cross section of the British public.

This man is David Cameron and we will be voting for him in the leadership ballot.

David Cameron is the perfect antidote to this failed Labour Government that has taxed and not delivered, centralised and not listened, promised much but been full of empty rhetoric.

David Cameron believes in the importance of personal responsibility and the family, he believes in limited government, lower taxes, high standards in health and education and national sovereignty.

If elected as Conservative Party leader he will draw on these core Conservative principles to form policies that apply to modern Britain and, we believe, give us every chance of drawing support not just from the South of England but the North as well. - Peter Atkinson MP (Hexham, Conservative), Martin Callanan MEP (North-East, Conservative) Newcastle.

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

I SEE that the Black Police Association is to give a talk to young people about racism (Echo, Oct 29). Isn't this rather absurd?

How can we have an organisation called the Black Police Association? Surely this in itself is racist or can white police officers join?

And if so, might we not just call it the Police Association? Actually, I think that already exists.

I am not a racist in any shape or form or at least I hope I am not, but it seems to me that to have a White Police Association would be racism in its worst form and the outcry would be huge.

So how can this organisation be allowed to exist and influence our young generation. It seems to me that in this age of so-called "Political Correctness" the lunatics are now running the asylum. - David Oxley, Darlington.

GREEN FIELDS

Could we please take this opportunity to thank the public for their support on Saturday, October 15 in Darlington town centre.

They heartily shared our objections to some of the proposals for the development of Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Over 300 people felt strongly enough to send a letter of complaint detailing their objections to the local planning authority.

The event was well supported and people were very concerned about the problems that this planning application would, if passed, present to the residents of the surrounding area and the ensuing consequences of granting planning permission on greenfield land.

The two major concerns were: building on greenfield land when there is an abundance of brownfield available (850 acres). DTVA and the developers have ample land within the airport boundary that is ripe for development. There is no need to develop elsewhere.

And the proposed increase in night flying. At the moment, unlike other airports, there are no restrictions on night time flying at Durham Tees Valley. Alongside the planning application, a licence has recently been granted by Stockton Borough Council to permit 20,000 units of night flying per annum (almost 30 take-offs or landings per night). This will seriously affect whole communities in Low Dinsdale, Yarm, Eaglescliffe, Hartburn, Middleton St George, Middleton One Row, Darlington, Ingleby Barwick, Long Newton and Fairfield. - J Quick, for Residents Against Greenfield Eradication, Darlington.