Letters to the Editor

To send alcoholics to Lynfield Mount, which is for the care of the mentally ill, is disgusting! It is a separate condition altogether and should be allocated its own special unit.

There used to be one at Scalebor Park Hospital, in Burley-in-Wharfedale, one of only two specialist units of its kind in the country at that time (early 1980s). It closed down many years ago followed years later by the hospital itself. What a way to treat the mentally ill and those with the terrible condition of alcoholism.

At Scalebor Park, the unit for alcoholics was kept separate from the main hospital.

My brother was a highly intelligent, gifted man. Alcoholism had almost destroyed him when he was sent there. Thanks to the wonderful and dedicated staff on this unit, his drink problem was completely cured but unfortunately he never recovered from the damage alcohol had done to his body.

He lived another ten years, but never once touched another drink.

Lots more people could be saved like my brother, given the proper care and facilities. It's very sad that these kind of conditions are swept under the carpet.

Mrs Kathleen Cliff, Southdown Road, Baildon.

SIR - I would like to set the record straight on comments made about the Council's proposed housing transfer by Eileen Allen (T&A Letters, December 19).

The rights tenants would have after transfer would not be diminished. Tenants would still be able to buy their homes, pass them on to a relative and enjoy all the other key rights they currently have.

Tenants would not pay higher rents and services charges with Bradford Community Housing Trust Group than with the Council. New Government rent rules mean they would pay similar whether renting from the Council or from the group.

Improvements would not cost tenants anything extra if transfer goes ahead. In fact tenants would get better value for money with the group. They would pay similar rents as they would with the Council, but they would get the much-needed improvements to homes and services. The Council simply cannot afford to carry out these improvements.

As has always been the case, Councils can borrow a limited amount of money. However, it simply is not enough to solve the problem of a lack of investment in homes and services for tenants in Bradford.

Transfer is not privatisation. The group would be run on a non-profit making basis, with any surplus cash being put back into homes and services. The boards are made up of unpaid volunteers and no dividends would be paid out.

The harsh reality is there are no alternatives to transfer open to the Council. It would bring the massive £175 million investment needed in the district's Council homes.

Councillor Kris Hopkins, Portfolio Holder for Health and Housing, City Hall, Bradford.

SIR - For a number of years, I have paid my telephone bill by purchasing BT stamps on a weekly basis. No problems arose with this method. The stamp system has now been replaced by BT with a "Save & Pay" system.

On our last BT bill dated August 22, I was shown to be in arrears. Strange! However, as I had not retained the receipts from Post Office Counters Ltd, I was not able to check my bill. This last quarter I have retained the receipts and three payments have not been recorded, amounting to a total of £14.

I contacted BT (pushing no fewer than 20 digits to get through!) on November 28, 2001. I was assured by the female operator that an investigation would take place immediately, and she would contact me by telephone the following day at 8am. I am still waiting for a telephone call or a message on my answer phone!

Do your readers check their payments to BT?

Jack Widdop, Coombe Hill, Clayton Heights, Queensbury.

SIR - I shared Mr N Brown's scepticism about religion (Letters, December 21) for most of my life, having left my "paradise" (Kashmir) at the age of nine.

Trying to understand the role of religion in a harsh new world and the challenges that face a multi-cultural society were not easy at such a young age. The search for truth and certainty is not the same for everyone, as our questions have a personal angle.

For me the turning point came when I read some myth-breaking books and met some enlightened individuals and role models who pointed me in the right direction.

I cannot answer all of Mr Brown's questions in the 200 words allowed. Suffice it to say that the Holy Koran does not say that Adam was the first created man. It says that he was the first prophet which means that there must have been other people around.

There are numerous verses on the creation of the universe and the development of mankind, which are very much in line with well established scientific thinking.

The important thing for us all is that we are able to discuss all these things rationally and peacefully in our beautiful city.

Dr Mohammed Iqbal, External Affairs Dept., Ahmadiyya Muslim Association

SIR - I read the letter from Alex Suchi (December 19) and I was surprised to see that he really thought that all religions have acted as vehicles of sociable cohesion, providing stability and a defined world view.

I disagree. Religions have caused and are causing more damage than ever in the history of time. I thank God that Jesus Christ came to the world to expose the kind of thinking, attitudes and ignorant minds of people who are stuck in their own self-righteous beliefs.

Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life". No religion can bring a fundamental importance to society. Can an Islamic system that contradicts itself and is often criticised for the despicable way women are treated? I don't think so.

If more people had faith in God through Jesus Christ and kept his teachings which are peace, love and to keep the commandments, I think the world would probably be a better place.

Steven Mills, Harrogate Street, Undercliffe.

SIR - Let's say a big thank you to our refuse collectors, who last week had treble their usual work load, and in gale-force conditions.

We think they have given us a good service throughout the year and would like to acknowledge the fact.

M & J Robinson, Park Road, Eccleshill.