ELECTED MAYOR

DARLINGTON Liberal Democrats are concerned that the "yes for an elected mayor" group is attempting to change the political leadership of the borough council, rather than seeking a more democratic form of local government.

We are strongly critical of much of what the Labour council has done over the past few years. Nevertheless, we believe the traditional election of 53 local councillors by residents of each ward, and the election of a leader and cabinet from their ranks, remains the most appropriate electoral arrangement for our town.

The proposals for a directly-elected mayor would profoundly affect the way local government operates, placing all power in the hands of one individual. No longer would our elected councillors be able to offer an effective check on the autocratic exercise of power.

It is important the decision reached has a legitimacy accorded by a high turnout. A low turnout could mean a small minority might have a disproportionate effect on the outcome.

A "yes" vote on a meagre turnout would be a failure of the democratic system. Go out and vote. It's your democratic right. It's no good moaning about it afterwards if you don't. - Councillor Mike Barker, secretary, Darlington Liberal Democrats.

CYCLISTS

PHIL Sefton asks what it will take for Darlington Borough Council to ban all cyclists from the town centre (HAS, Page 10, Sept 14). I would like to ask what it will take for people to realise the danger involved in banning cyclists from the town centre, forcing them onto the ring road?

In the last few months, at least two have been knocked off their bikes on the ring road. One incident resulted in the cyclist, who was on his way to work, breaking bones and needing hospital treatment.

At least one cyclist has died on the ring road. Where are the letters calling for cars to be banned?

Most cyclists ride responsibly in the town centre. These people will be put into great danger by a ban, yet when riding in the town centre they do not pose a danger to others.

Irresponsible cyclists would carry on cycling in the town centre after a ban, as the people cycling dangerously would simply ignore any ban.

A ban would not make the centre safer for pedestrians, but it would make riding a bike much more dangerous.

Irresponsible cyclists should be challenged and prosecuted, but banning all cyclists will achieve nothing. - Mike McTimoney, Darlington Cycling Campaign.

PHIL Sefton's letter about Pedestrian Heart cyclists (HAS, Page 10, Sept 14) reminded me of Darlington Borough Council's proven philosophy of "let's wait and see what happens" when it comes to the topic of public safety.

For several months, the High Row stairs didn't have handrails, until a number of people fell. Handrails were then quickly installed.

The same philosophy would seem to apply to problem cyclists and the absence of pedestrian crossings over the bus routes through the Pedestrian Heart - ie, the council will only ban cyclists and install crossings after an accident has occurred. - L Hume, Darlington.

CIRCUSES

PETER Jolly's animal circus will be visiting Darlington from Wednesday.

Circus animals may be confined for hours, even days, in their travelling cages, with their only respite being either limited time in an exercise cage, rehearsals or performing. It is impossible, in my view, for a travelling menagerie to provide circus animals with the facilities they need.

Training is secretive and there have been cases where brutal training methods have come to light.

Whips are seen in the ring, but the use of screws hidden in the base of walking sticks, spikes concealed in tasselled sticks and hotshots or electric shock devices have been documented in some circuses.

There is no educational value in seeing animals reduced to performing tricks. The idea of publicly humiliating an animal to prove that "Man" is capable of this kind of dominance is not fun. Children should be taught to respect animals - circuses teach the opposite.

Circus routines have changed little since the 19th Century and it is time that this form of entertainment was banned and replaced with human acts only. - Kathy Barley, Darlington