HUGH Pender made some interesting points about protests (HAS, Aug 17). As one who has been on numerous protest marches, I am aware of the stereotyped portrayal by the popular press, and the impression given that we are wasting our time taking part in protests they do not agree with.

For my part, I take part in ballots, sign petitions, lobby, and protest when I think it expresses my democratic right to have my opinion counted.

I am not fit enough to be part of the campaign aimed at preventing the extension of Heathrow, but I fully support the participants.

Increased air travel is going to have an impact on global warming. The Government seems to only pay lip service to the legitimate concerns many of us have about the climate.

My form of protest is to raise the matter in Hear All Sides; ask anyone seeking my vote what they are prepared to do; and resolving to stop travelling by air myself.

I do not regard these things as an expression of pointless idealism, but as examples of what I am able to do as an individual. It is for others to decide whether they are moved to take the same sorts of action.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.