May 23, 2006

I was an irregular reader of The Northern Echo for a number of years, but since reading Mr Wardell's letters in Hear All Sides I now buy the newspaper on a daily basis in the hope of reading another one of his amusing letters, which always make the wife and I chuckle.

Christopher Wardell is a welcome addition to Hear All Sides, and his no-nonsense approach on various topics must be applauded, while his comical tones are very much appreciated in my household and no doubt beyond. I always look forward to reading his letters, and it would be a pleasure to see him write his own column in The Northern Echo, as I am sure that sales would multiply on a grand scale.

Keep the letters coming, Mr Wardell, as they often make my day. - Alfred Miller, Tynemouth, North Tyneside.

HUGH Pender claimed that my letters are "incoherent", but then stated that he agrees with my views on the Afghan hijackers (HAS, May 19). How confusing.

At least I have the ability to write about various subjects, unlike Mr Pender, who continually moans about the war in Iraq. Many people tell me that they agree with my views that are published in Hear All Sides, and it is nice to know that my pen is acknowledged by a number of individuals.

Maybe Mr Pender should get out more and learn about other topics, as his views on Iraq always have me reaching for my TV control, as I'd much rather watch a repeat of Byker Grove than read his constant written complaints about the well organised liberation of Iraq by the courageous troops of Great Britain and America. - Christopher Wardell, Darlington.

I WAS amused to read the letter from Hugh Pender (HAS, May 19) complaining about the "incoherent ramblings" from Christopher Wardell.

Does Mr Pender really appreciate the meaning of HAS? As I understand it, it is a vehicle for people to express their views and the prerogative of the editor to publish them. While not agreeing with all of Mr Wardell's views, I respect his right to voice an opinion. Is Mr Pender also aware that we actually live "under the sun" and therefore should be interested in all aspects under it. Loosen up Mr Pender and respect free speech, or should it be "Redpen Hugh? - Kev McStravick, Darlington.

WITH regard to a couple of your regular writers, Hugh Pender and Christopher Wardell. Have these two men nothing better to do than tittle-tattle on, week in, week out, like a couple of old fish wives?

I wouldn't care, but they sound like a right pair of do-gooders who talk nothing but a load of old codswallop, to put it mildly.

Have they nothing better to do all day? They want to start living in the real world, maybe get a hobby or even an allotment instead of waffling and whingeing on about nothing and everything - and now even about each other. Please get a life. - R Harwood, Shildon.

MILBURN'S THE MAN

AFTER the last General Election my good friend, Christopher Wardell, and I were discussing events. I said then that it would be Labour's last victory.

I also said the reason Tony Blair called an early election at that time was that "in one year's time the Labour party will be in no fit state to win another term".

I formed my opinion on the fact that it was becoming more evident that they could no longer manipulate the figures nor realistically blame their failings on previous Conservative governments, nor on the corruption of their ministers. I need make no comment on Labour's administration of sleaze - it is their failure to deliver on all they promised that really matters.

I welcome the self-destruction of Labour, but offer this thought.

Gordon Brown will never win an election. All talk of his being the natural successor is misled. If Labour really has a chance of victory at the next General Election it should look to Darlington MP Alan Milburn to lead the party there. Remember, you read it here first. - Des More, Darlington.

DLO FUTURE

DURHAM City's Labour councillors obviously accept that executive director David Marrs' assurances (Echo, May 19) about the future of the city council's Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) are made in good faith.

The problem is that he is responsible to his political masters, the Liberal Democrats, and they have acted disgracefully over this matter.

Statements from some of their members are extremely worrying and their leader has refused to let these be discussed in public.

On May 17, the leader, Councillor Fraser Reynolds, would not let Cabinet debate a report presented by the Community Services Scrutiny Panel.

This summarised its discussions about the DLO's future, during which some LibDem members had made it quite clear they wanted to consider closing it down.

Fortunately, on this occasion, the Panel did not agree to recommend that to Cabinet.

However, by gagging debate on the report, Coun Reynolds seems intent on covering up what his own members had said.

Indeed, this secrecy raises fears that he, too, may be concealing his own long-term intentions. Clearly the DLO is not safe in the LibDems' hands and nor is openness and transparency. - Councillor Mike Syer, City of Durham Council.

MUM AT LARGE

I SHOULD like to take issue with the person who wrote that Mum at Large columnist Ruth Campbell was lacking in common sense for leaving her son, who is 14, to look after the other children (HAS, May 18).

Sadly, it is this very attitude that is ruining our country, this band of well-meaning dogooders, who coddle the bullies and push down the actual victims.

How fantastic that Ms Campbell's 14-year-old is responsible enough to look after his siblings. I regularly have a 14 or 15-year-old to baby-sit my three children. . . should I be put away?

Or should I be able to make my own decision on who is capable of taking care of my children?

How sad that a light-hearted, fun column should be taken so very out of context.

Let's face it, Ms Campbell has five children, so I expect her experience far exceeds most of ours. I hope that this does not discourage Ms Cambell from her entertaining anecdotes. - Annabel Andrew, Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon.

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT

MY namesake, Barry Wood, (HAS, May 15) castigates me for allegedly not listening to the people. He is wrong. Unlike him, I fully accept the result of the November 2004 referendum.

In that referendum, there were two alternatives: either to bring in a new system of local and regional government, or to retain the existing system.

A total of 22 per cent (including me) voted for a new system, 78 per cent voted to retain the present system. Faced with what the Government was offering, the vast majority voted for "no change." I accept that - Barry doesn't.

Just which part of the phrase "no change" does he not understand? - Councillor Chris Foote Wood, Leader, Wear Valley District Council LibDem Group.