Letters to the Editor

Paul Brett answers Question 2 with: "We will be judged by what the stakeholders think of education services in a year or so".

Yet he answers Q4: "What new ideas etc?" with: "We are not going to come up with gimmicks - that's no way to improve services."

Does this mean no new policies or just the same old failed policies rehashed under new steering groups to carry on the best practices in Bradford schools?

Is not the whole idea of this partnership to improve the appalling exam results in some of our schools? If best practice has led to failure, is the partnership no change at all but merely a cosmetic exercise?

Re Question 6: "What proposals have you drawn up" and the answer "We are still the preferred bidder and we have no contract." Again it is an evasive answer ie you will be told as and when we think fit what proposals are to be made.

Can Bradford Metro and Serco publish what is in the pipeline so that before the agreement is signed we the ratepayers of Bradford can know how the £210 million seven-year contract will affect all the schools in Bradford?

Philip Jackson, Lister Avenue, Bradford 4.

SIR - How short-sighted of Philip Andrews to suggest that Child Benefit be scrapped. The overall, national birth rate is falling rapidly and unless there are children being born, there will not be enough people in work to provide his pension.

I feel that Mr Andrews has mixed two separate issues. In China, where a policy of only having one child has been in operation for many years now, the syndrome of lone children dictating their wishes to parents is well documented. Reducing the number of children will do nothing to solve the bad behaviour of children.

The only way to solve this problem is for parents to assume control of their children's behaviour by setting a good example.

Not much to ask, but it seems that a lot of parents are more concerned with being a "friend" to their children rather than giving the guidance which is essential to produce responsible citizens who have a respect for society.

Denise Musk, Fernbank Drive, Baildon

SIR - In reply to Helen Mead's column on May 3, regarding sex getting better with age. Like me, most of my friends are over 40 and always have had great sex lives. Perhaps you can give some advice to the women you know on the following benefits:

Lovemaking is good for you:

1. It boosts your mood - stimulates the body's feel-good hormones (endorphins)

2. It relieves pain - producing neuro pain-transmitters which help block pain signals

3. Can help to lose weight - an average 220 calories can be burned off in one session

4. It tones muscles - squeezing pelvic floor muscles can help to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus and bowel

5. It gives your heart and lungs a workout - boosts the heartrate by up to 130 beats a minute and makes you breathe harder

6. It can help you sleep - far better than sleeping tablets for insomnia

So all those who are lying back and thinking of England might like to take note of the above.

Also plenty of sex and plenty of laughs keep you young.

A Dunn, Otley Road, Shipley.

SIR - As a supporter of the NSPCC and its Full Stop campaign, I am writing to inform your readers on how they can make a free donation to help stop cruelty to children.

The NSPCC has launched a great new website that gives internet users the opportunity to raise vitally needed funds without having to spend their own money.

It's simple - just visit the charity's website at www.nspcc.org.uk/donate-4-free and click to make a donation paid for by companies such as Microsoft and Scottish & Southern Energy.

The donate-4-free website is unique as it is the only site of its kind that raises money exclusively for child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children in the UK.

Since its launch in November, it has already received over 460,000 visits and has raised over £26,000 for NSPCC.

I'd like to urge your readers to help make a big difference to children by visiting donate-4-free every day and spreading word of the site to their friends and colleagues.

If you are going on-line today, why not click on donate-4-free and help put a stop to cruelty to children. FULL STOP.

Dermot O'Leary (TV presenter and DJ), c/o NSPCC.

SIR - Mr Robert Hornsby ought to realise that an early election is nothing unusual. Margaret Thatcher, the most successful post-war politician, called elections after four years in 1983 and 1987.

And if you think an early election guarantees success, look at Harold Wilson in 1970 and Edward Heath in 1974. Prime Ministers only go the full five years if they think their prospects are dim.

Keith Trobridge, Otley Road, Shipley.

Don't vote - it'll only encourage them!" That sad instruction, where politicians in general are concerned, unfortunately reflects the views of many people in Thornton.

The reasoning behind this apparent antipathy towards the forthcoming election is simply frustration at a system which appears to exclude law-abiding council tax-payers from receiving local amenities support.

We have petitioned the Council; taken our clothes off for Prince Charles, spoken to politicians of all parties and made our case as best we can.

All have acknowledged that Thornton deserves to have its own swimming baths - but because we are not part of a deprived area and we haven't yet rioted to force the issue, nothing can be done.

Fairness has been enshrined in the British way of life for many years, yet it seems the only way to achieve fairness is to act in an unfair way. This we are loath to do.

There is, though, a diminishing opportunity for all politicians before 'E Day' - June 7. Tell us what you are going to do for the people of Thornton, and they may then vote for you.

A nil response from candidates will regrettably confirm the view that voting is not the answer.

Melanie Milnes (Save Our Baths), Thornton Road, Thornton.

SIR - Many thanks for the great day out at Lightwater Valley that I and three members of my family enjoyed on Sunday, May 20, as a T&A competition prize.

It was made extra special, as it was my partner's birthday. Once again, thank you.

Marie Johnston, Southfield Lane, Little Horton.