SIR - Regarding the sorry tale of the 680 buses, here is another chapter.

On May 10 the 2.45pm arrived promptly in Petergate only to ignore the stop, thus disappointing a queue of six.

On May 16 the 10.45am to Smiddles Lane was missing. When the next bus arrived at 11.15, indignation reigned all the way to the King's Arms, where I got off.

As it happened, we had an inspector aboard, a rare event, though it was hard to hear what he said above other voices.

Could he possibly have been saying that we could expect no better service on an unprofitable route?

How he would defend drivers who pass stops where would-be passengers are waiting, I don't know.

The 680 service is a joke (ask any Heaton resident) but one needs a strong sense of humour.

M Tetlow, Ashwell Road, Heaton.

SIR - Why are youngsters in Thornbury so reluctant to use the playing field within the Leeds Road, Dick Lane, Gipsy Street triangle?

The field has recently had a lot of money spent on it, fencing installed, and seats provided but, for some reason children prefer to play in back streets, on the forecourt of Kwik-Fit, and are particularly a nuisance at the rear of Iceland and Scottish Power.

These are places of business, not recreation grounds, and can be dangerous, with vehicles coming and going.

There is also a playing field off Gain Lane, which is underused. The local authority devotes time and money into providing these facilities, but they are, obviously, not appreciated.

A Shipman, Fernbank Avenue, Bramley.

SIR - "Business for Sterling", and the City analysts Chantrey Vellacott, have calculated that the cost to the Dewsbury constituency for converting to the euro will be £55 million. For businesses already struggling under £5 billion of red tape, and an extra £15 billion of tax increases (British Chamber of Commerce figures, May 6, 2001), the extra costs imposed by joining the euro will be even more unwelcome.

By keeping control of our own currency, and with it the control over our monetary and fiscal policy, we have the power to set our spending priorities and the levels of our own national and local taxation according to the wishes of our own people.

The single currency may lead to that power being removed. Indeed, a single monetary policy with tax harmonisation across the EU could raise taxes in Britain by as much as one-fifth.

I believe that our economic policy should reflect the best interests of the UK. The structure of our own national economy, which differs from those of other European Union countries, means that interest rates set to suit Europe as a whole will more often than not be wrong for this country.

Gordon Walker, Windy Bank Lane, Hartshead, Liversedge.

SIR - I would like to thank the Telegraph & Argus for mentioning the International Year of Volunteers (IVY2001), and the vital contribution volunteers make to charities and organisations in Bradford ("City to pay tribute to volunteers," April 24).

The International Year is proving a wonderful opportunity for 123 governments from around the world to celebrate the contribution that volunteers make, and to encourage others to take part.

If any Telegraph & Argus readers would like to know more about the International Year of Volunteers and how to get involved, they can call the IVY2001 team on 020 7401 5430 or check out the website at www.iyv2001england.org.

Ruth Johnson, IVY2001 co-ordinator, England.