Letters to the Editor

Among the cascade of "junk-mail" I was looking at the other day was an item from a charity that cares for blinded and disfigured soldiers.

It's very interesting to know that these heroes get nothing from our grateful country: no rehabilitation, no specialised care, no money; nothing! How about the National Lottery? Nothing.

It is 60 years since the "Battle of Britain". If we haven't done anything for the crippled and blinded men who fought that battle, then what we have watched was nothing but cheap entertainment. Is this the best we can do? Is there really no such thing as society? What did these men fight for?

Jack Mawson, Grove House Crescent, Bradford 2.

SIR - Re the letter from Roger Taylor, saying there is nothing cruel about circuses (September 21). I was appalled to read such a load of drivel.

Circuses deny animals life in their natural environment. Elephants and lions belong on the savannah, chimpanzees in the jungles of Africa, tigers in the jungles of Asia.

None of these animals belongs in the industrial areas and motorways of Britain. These animals, in their natural environment, would roam over many miles of territory in their complex and close family groups. Instead, they are confined to the backs of lorries, cages and a few acres of field.

Mr Taylor says that circuses are not "cruel and degrading". I can think of no better words than cruel and degrading to describe the above.

As for signs of the animals being stressed, the last time I saw a circus the elephants were chained in a field swaying their heads repetitively from side to side. This swaying is a classic sign of stress in many animals and is also found in many animals in zoos.

Animals were not put upon this earth to obey the whims and amusements of humans. We should be the guardians of animals and not their exploiters and abusers (before anyone asks, I am a vegetarian).

Scott Alden, Thornacre Crescent, Wrose.

SIR - I read with disbelief that DIAL in Dockfield Road, Shipley, is to close its workshops.

I was unaware how helpful DIAL was to people less fortunate than myself until I became one of their full-time volunteer driver/helpers.

I drove the DIAL bus which was equipped for transporting disabled and wheelchair passengers. There was a woodwork workshop and a knitting/sewing workshop. These workshops were also places where the students could have a chat and a laugh.

When these workshops close, I know it will be a very heart- wrenching moment for all the people involved. It's a lifeline being taken away.

It sickens me to know that DIAL -who help clients and students keep mind and body together - are short of funding. Then there is a blot on the landscape like the Millennium Dome that has had millions of pounds thrown at it.

Andrew Egan, Marion Drive, Windhill, Shipley.

SIR - It is not only the Mike Hitchens of this world who jeer at some of us who try to ensure that our children's children will have a world to enjoy. Too many go blithely on in 'I'm all right Jack' mode seemingly taking no notice of the reports of the effects this has.

The recent petrol shortage gives a fine example. Within two days of it, our surroundings were less noisy and the pollution level dropped by 25 per cent, a brief respite for trees and plants, and for the growing hole in the ozone layer.

A real chance to learn an obvious lesson, but the argument got lost in the pleas for lower fuel taxes. As soon as the pumps were working again, people used their cars regardless, food and goods still trundled from one end of the country to the other, or from county to county, fuel-guzzling aeroplanes took off as usual.

Some time we will be forced to slow down and rationalise our use of oil. The quicker the message of the so-called Jonahs is taken notice of, the better for our beautiful world.

Mrs S Barlow, Claremont Gardens, Bingley.

SIR - Much has been and will be written about the fuel blockade. But whether you think the fuel tax is too high or are a frustrated motorist, one thing stands out.

People have discovered that you just cannot get any satisfaction out of airing grievances through the official channels but direct action can work. To my mind it is the politicians with their silly games who have debauched and trivialised the whole political process.

This applies particularly to so-called New Labour with their focus groups and news management. Politicians of bygone days may have made many mistakes but at least a good many of them acted out of conviction.

Politicians who have no convictions are like sailors trying to navigate without a compass.

This fuel business if far from over I believe and whatever odium the present government attract, rightly or wrongly, they will richly deserve.

Don Burslam, South Edge, Shann Park, Keighley.

SIR - How encouraging it was to read that Councillor Carroll and his colleagues will be addressing the possibility of traffic-calming measures in our area (which literally teems with toddlers) in the near future (T&A, September 21).

Thanks are in order, too, to our much-loved letters column which undoubtedly has tremendous clout when it comes to concentrating the minds of our elected representatives on matters of acute local concern. Not without reason does the T&A bear the accolade "Community Newspaper of the Year" on its masthead!

Sid Brown, Glenhurst Road, Shipley.

SIR - In reply to P E Bird's letter (September 19). If Harold Wilson had had a single currency, my prediction would be different. By now, we would have had the most powerful economy in the world. The European Union would have by-passed America in 1997, with Eastern countries begging to come in.

This country will never be right until it dumps the pound. It could be a reality in say 2,007 if we get moving.

B Brannan, Valley Road, Shipley.

SIR - Does the Council not clean the drains in the roads any more?

Down my road there isn't one drain that hasn't got grass growing out of it. It's the same on the main roads as well. When it rains heavily the water just runs over the top of them making big puddles, then the pedestrians get wet through when the cars go through them.

Mrs C Grange, Glenfield, Windhill, Shipley.

SIR - Re Mike Healey's letter about motoring costs (September 20). I wonder if anyone will challenge his figures. The ones such as his are bandied about by experts.

For instance it was said that if the speed limits were reduced by ten mph, X number of lives would be saved, without giving any basis upon which the estimates were made.

So Mike Healey says fuel duty raises only £23bn. What does the road tax raise? And what about the four and half per cent on car insurance premiums?

It may be controversial but what about enforcing a cycle proficiency licence and a cycle tax to pay for the silly cycle lanes, which, in my opinion, can make it more dangerous for cycles on the road?

The motorist is allowed to use less and less of the roads thanks to cycle and ill-thought-out bus lanes, which again make it very dangerous for all forms of transport at junctions where they come to an end, especially at busy times of the day.

P E Bird, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley.

SIR - I write in support of the people who wish to keep Provincial House. To me it is one of our new modern buildings which is dignified and pleasing to the eye.

Your correspondent (T&A Letters, September 19) suggested this as an ideal location for the Central Library.

As an ex-Librarian of many years ago (Darley Street!) may I say that these have always been my sentiments, the present location being quite inaccessible to some people.

If this transformation to Provincial House could be achieved it would be wonderful but I suppose the usual obstacles would be produced - finance and unsuitability.

Marjorie L Robinson, Victoria Road, Bradford.