01/03/06

All the arguments about the health and anti-social nature of smoking are well known and believed by most people now.

As a one time smoker (26 years ago), I do have some sympathy for existing smokers who want to go out for the night and socialise.

Some clubs, or even private rooms of pubs, should be allowed to have smokers as long as there is an extremely good air extraction system and strict segregation from non-smokers.

All staff working there must be made fully aware of the health risks.

As I see it, this would prevent quite a few clubs from possibly losing their business when this non-smoking rule becomes law. - Tim Glanvill, Northallerton.

SAD DAYS

RE the recent furore concerning the alleged beating of Iraqi youths by British soldiers.

Is it not time those who are making such a fuss, who doubtless have never worn a uniform, took a little time to consider just what our men out there are facing, day after day, after day?

Surely it is illogical to suggest that British soldiers have to take whatever the enemy decides to throw at them: firebombs, bricks, bullets and insults, and return only smiles?

It occurs to me to question whether, had there been more discipline instead of a softly, softly approach, we might have had quite fewer heroes coming home in bodybags.

One further point. How glad I am that those who would take our lads to court were not around during the last war, or Hitler and Co would surely have been welcomed with open arms while our Tommies were court martialled for opening fire.

Truly these are sad, sad days for the Britain that once was so great. - G Gargett, Peterlee.

HYPERMARKET

WHAT has happened to the negotiations between Tesco and Darlington Borough Council over the plan to build a hypermarket on the Town Hall bus station site? It's all gone quiet. No progress reports, no consultations with the public or other retailers.

Market towns across the country have been blighted by the effect of these massive hypermarkets on local shops. Latest estimates are that 20,000 small shops and suppliers have gone out of business since 1997 - due to competition from supermarkets and retail chains.

The Covered Market and other small businesses in the town centre are already suffering from the disastrous re-siting of bus stops. The identity of the town will suffer further from High Row modernisation. Tesco could be the final straw.

But let's not blame Tesco - it's their job to sell as much as they can. If this plan goes ahead it's the Labour council which would be to blame for the consequences.

We believe the council should start consulting now before everything is cut and dried. Let them for once forgo their usual tactic of finalising their plans, telling the people what they will get and ignoring their views. Otherwise we could end up losing all that is attractive about our town centre. - Brian Fiske, Press Officer, Darlington Liberal Democrats.

POLICE FORCES

I'M afraid the North-East police forces, like the fire brigades and our forces, will have to get in line with the Europe of the regions.

Charles Clarke's reason for trying to force this through is because he is under orders to get on with it and it does not matter what the police, people or anyone else wants, that is what will happen.

John Major signed up to all this when he signed the Maastricht Treaty. Everyone will deny it, including all three main parties. It was the same with the regional assemblies.

People did not get a vote as to whether they wanted one, only if they wanted an elected one. They said no, so they are stuck with an unelected one, and so it goes on.

You will get a regional police force whether you like it or not. - Dianne Carr, Bristol.

PARKED CARS

RE the 13 cars parked on the roadside at Windsor Drive, Sunderland (Echo, Feb 24).

If Sunderland Council knows anything about the law it should be aware that all the cars in the picture are breaking the law by being parked on the pavements, within 25 yards of a road junction. Also, there is a good chance none of these vehicles are taxed, insured or have an MOT.

Furthermore, if, as reported, these cars are stuffed with paper and straw as homes for gerbils, they represent a fire hazard and should be removed. These vehicles should be brought to the attention of the police and fire authorities. - R Jackson, Ripon.

RUBBISH PROBLEM

AT the twilight years of my life, I find it astounding that I have to write to you about the attitude to the electorate in Thornaby by those newly-elected Labour councillors. I spoke to one who represents my area and was amazed at his holier-than-thou attitude. I was told he has surgeries at such and such a date, I could ring him on such and such a number, or get in touch with one of his officers.

I ended up going to the previous councillor, who actually invited me in to his home, made me a cup of tea and listened to my concerns and even phoned a member of the council staff to arrange the problem to be removed - all within 20 minutes.

The offending rubbish was removed within two hours by a Stockton Council team that attend such calls within hours. Can I thank Councillor Walmsley and the men from Stockton Care for such a fast response. And I most certainly know which people I will contact in future with any problems I have. -T Finn, Thornaby-on-Tees.

ID CARDS

THANKS to Tony Blair crushing Labour rebels we will have ID cards within five years.

This means each of us will be carrying a card costing possibly £300 each and, given this Government's past record, such information will be sold to the highest bidder, such as banks and insurance companies.

Thanks to our Government's kowtowing to the banks, people at call centres in India, who are not subject to this nation's laws, already have access to our bank details.

They could have full access to all personal information of the entire population of the United Kingdom. Nice to know the Prime Minister has Britain's interests at heart. - HE Smith, Spennymoor.

PENSIONS

A Government pensions advisor said recently that the burden of funding the inflation-proof pensions for public sector workers will fall on the taxpayer. What's new about that? Doesn't almost everything fall on us, the taxpayers?

The cost of these pensions rising so much is the main reason why council taxes have risen by 80 per cent since Labour were elected in 1997.

Why should OAPs have to contribute more and more to finance state workers' pensions when their own pensions rise by a pittance each year?

Out of an average yearly council tax bill of £1,000, £5 per week goes towards financing public sector pensions.

Why cannot staff themselves pay a higher contribution to their pensions while they are working? - M Symonds, Middlesbrough.