Letters to the Editor

Successive governments have refused to spend the money needed to build more prisons to effectively tackle the problem, leaving the courts with little alternative to allowing criminals back into society.

While over-paid, over-protected, money-minded bureaucrats argue the cost of locking perpetrators away for time that fits the crime, the rest of society are expected to pick up the tab by paying extortionate amounts of tax and insurance into an increasingly failed system that is putting us more and more at risk by the minute!

At the same time, there are plenty of well-paid jobs to be had for those who deal with the perpetrators, the victims, the causes and prevention of crime.

So let's face it; rather than spend enough money on an adequate judicial/penal system, "modern" bureaucracy would rather create a false economy on the back of anarchy while it dupes society into a false sense of security.

Susan Wall, Roydstone Road, Thornbury.

SIR - At a high-level meeting in Manchester we were told that Bradford was advertising for a chief executive at a salary of £200,000 whereas the city of Manchester pays its CEO £130,000.

It is surely very strange that such a successful, wealthier and imaginative city - which is a delight to go to - can pay this more sensible remuneration.

Bradford planning department is sorely under-staffed with the dire results we see all around, especially in the third-rate housing estates and suburban ghettos that sprawl over greenfield and moorland spaces.

If Bradford could but pay its CEO a rather grand £130,000 it would have £70,000 left over to pay a well-qualified eco-architect/planner.

Graham Carey, Granville Terrace, Bingley.

SIR - It seems like Tony Blair could be in for a roasting over the weapons of mass destruction affair. All the wimps seem to be coming out of the woodwork to try and jump on the bandwagon.

I think both Tony Blair and George Bush did what had to be done before it got worse and most of the forces backed them to the hilt.

People of this country seem to have short memories. Sixty years ago another little tyrant had mad ideas. He was ignored and look what happened.

Whether there were weapons of mass destruction or not Bush and Blair and the forces ousted a tyrant and liberated a nation.

M Jordan, Rhodesway, Bradford 8.

SIR - I am a 22-year-old man who has seen two teenagers die almost within a year of each other in road accidents, the latter on the night of May 29.

This is very concerning to me as I have two teenage brothers who both drive, and I knew both of the teenage lads who have died at steering wheels.

Just what is it that we have to do as a society to improve road safety and accident awareness?

Barry Slaven, Bolton Drive, Eccleshill

SIR - I am writing to you about a fantastic event that is taking place this summer and urging you to get involved. Foresters Big Toddle for Barnardo's is a brilliant excuse to have a great, fun day out with your friends, family or colleagues. Last year hundreds of pre-schools and playgroups took part.

Foresters Big Toddle, now in its seventh year, is a sponsored half-mile walk for under-5s and takes place during June.

You can either arrange your own event at a time to suit you or take part in one of Barnardo's organised events. Participating groups get to keep 25 per cent of the money they raise for their own pre-school group or for another local cause. Last year the event raised over £830,000 for Barnardo's work with children and local communities.

To take part, call the Toddle hotline on 0845 769 7967 and get your event pack filled with everything you need to enjoy your event.

Fiona Phillips, Patron, The Foresters Big Toddle

SIR - Many thousands of boys served in the First World War aged as young at 14 and 15, and I am keen to make contact with any who are still alive and who would now be aged 101 years old or above.

Their memories will be used in a Channel 4 documentary telling the story of the boy soldiers and sailors for the first and, inevitably, the last time.

I am also very keen to find any relatives of the boy soldiers and sailors, younger sisters or brothers who recall them going off to war and the effect their service had on the rest of the family.

Lastly, I am looking for any documents, letters, memoirs or photographs of boy soldiers and sailors, to help illustrate the programme. Should you be able to help then please write to me.

Richard van Emden, Testimony Films, 12 Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RS (telephone 0117 925 8589 or e-mail: mail@testimonyfilms.force9.co.uk).

SIR - N Brown (Letters, June 3) describes Britain as "the greatest nation the world has ever seen". Yet in the very same sentence he castigates the Germans for being "arrogant!"

I think this is best described as shooting yourself in the foot, with knobs on!

Peter Wilson, Thornhill Grove, Calverley.

SIR - Miss Holdsworth (Letters, June 6) takes exception to my remark about being better able to cope with support from family and friends than a single parent with regard to the illness and treatment of my daughter Niamh (June 2).

I was simply (though perhaps clumsily) saying that I do not know how I would cope without the constant round-the-clock support of another adult at home, that is, my husband Ian.

It is reassuring to know that when Niamh has her routine treatments, is ill during the night or needs an emergency hospital assessment at St James's, one of us is around for support and to care for our other two children.

I regret any impression I might have given that single parents do not have support from family and friends. I know this is not the case.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank readers for their charitable response to Niamh's story. Niamh's illness has brought home to us once again the generosity and goodness that lies in human nature.

Marie Sedgwick, Moor Close Lane, Queensbury

SIR - One must agree with Keith Brown (Letters, May 22), a small number of cyclists do use canal towpaths as racetracks. However, they are a minority and there is no logical reason why the majority should suffer for their lack of consideration.

The towpaths are an under-used leisure resource and an increasingly important commuting route. We should be encouraging far greater use rather than seeking to retain them for the few.

Mr Brown is incorrect in assuming that cyclists don't pay for the use of the paths. We all pay for their upkeep through the various tax regimes and we all have a right to use and enjoy them.

By the way, a large number of cyclists carry insurance against third party claims. But as with the fishermen, there are some who "get away".

The towpaths are havens of tranquillity. We should be encouraging everyone to enjoy them, particularly when they can provide safe walking and cycle routes for our young people.

Paul Gallagher, Birchdale, Bingley

SIR - On Thursday, May 29, I was admitted to Ward 6, the day ward at Bradford Royal Infirmary, and would like to express my thanks for all the kindness received from every member of staff who dealt with me - doctors, nurses, porters, X-ray department; without exception, the caring along with the efficiency couldn't be faulted.

Earlier this morning I needed to ring Ward 6 for advice, and again, over the phone, the staff nurse who answered could not have been more pleasant and helpful. We have much for which to be thankful.

W Strowlger, Lane Side, Wilsden.