WE must recognise that individuals select what they see as important in making decisions in their lives, and so it is with the complex issue of the euro.

The most common comment that I hear is: "I have not got enough information on which to make up my mind."

The economic research that I have carried out provides a compelling argument for entry to the euro. The benefits of being in far outweigh any negative aspects.

There are implications for the future of London as a financial centre. In the short term, there will be no major changes but long-term planners are bound to look at the costs of having a financial centre outside the euro.

It is possible that there are ways round this situation but that means living with a two tier system, one for the financial markets and a more expensive one for the rest.

We will always have financial problems to solve and, as we look to the future, the more easily those problems will be dealt with through the adoption of the euro, which will enable us to build more positively for future generations. - Bill Morehead, Darlington.

SPORTS FACILITIES

IT is nice to see the new sports centre at Colburn. What a welcome sight it will be compared to the old well-vandalised changing rooms that have been an eyesore for many years now.

The sports field itself is at the moment being excavated with the soil being pushed this way and that to make a level field for the new football field and cricket square. This will be an excellent addition to the local facilities and a well deserved one for the area as a whole.

However, let's hope that we do not see a repeat of the previous use of the so-called football field, where residents from near and far allowed their dogs to roam free and use it as a toilet. I was very wary about even walking in the area for fear of treading in some poop left by a pooch and not cleared up by a thoughtless owner, of which the area has many.

I wonder if the facility will have a permanent groundsman as the cost for this service could be set aside by fines on owners who do not clean up after their dogs.

Let's keep the area free of dogs and allow all the residents of the area a clean and friendly play area for children and adults alike. - Alex Taylor, Catterick.

COUNCIL FINANCES

THE part of the council tax for the police has gone up a staggering 47 per cent so the police can increase in numbers and, hopefully, get crime and anti-social behaviour under control. As I write this letter I have just had a visit from a police officer as I had rang about some anti-social behaviour. I asked him why it had taken an hour to come and his reply was it's low priority.

The time has come for everybody in this area to say enough is enough. We want more police and we demand more police if we are paying for them.

How can they say they are going to work the streets to reassure the public and cut down on anti-social behaviour when, quite honestly, nothing is going to change in our area?

You would not go in a shop and pay for something you didn't get, but we are going to be paying for a service that we will not receive. - T Amos, Colburn.

MPS' SALARIES

HOW can MPs vote themselves an above-inflation pay rise with no strings attached when every other sector of the public services have to prove they are worth a rise through productivity deals and changes in working practices?

If they worked to the same rules they apply to everyone else they would get through a lot more work. Taking half your contract time in holidays instead of work does not set a very good example to those they seek to influence. - Peter Dolan, Newton Aycliffe.

VETERANS' ASSOCIATION

WE are an association open to all servicemen/women and civilians who have served in any region of the Far East. This includes India to the Pacific.

Membership includes a number of merchant service personnel who are also welcome, as are wives and partners.

Since our formation in 1997, we have branches up and running in the following areas: Luton, Bedford, Wigan, South Essex, Middlesbrough and Exeter, which is also our HQ.

Middlesbrough has been running almost a year now, so would like more members to come along and join them at their monthly meeting where you can be assured of a very warm welcome.

Further details can be obtained from Alan Leach, 12 Broadbent Street, Brotton, Saltburn, North Yorks TS12 2TE or from myself at 34 King Stephen Close, Exeter, Devon EX4 4LX. Tel/fax (01392)54631. - FJ Will (FEVA) National Secretary.

QUEEN MOTHER

I was disgusted to read the article Harry Mead wrote (Echo, Apr 3) entitled 'The Queen Mother I never knew' and disgusted that you actually printed it. It was utterly tasteless.

The sarcasm was heavy and clumsy, presumably because he thought his readers too unintelligent to understand clever sarcasm.

The article also read as if he were full of envy and jealousy. That is all one can think when he tried to belittle a Queen who "always lived in luxury and was pampered from morn till night". How does he think queens live - working their fingers to the bone in log cabins?

She lived the life she had always known and, in living that way, she still became loved by the majority of people.

I wonder how much Harry Mead has done for the country and the people? Perhaps, when the time comes, a one-sentence obituary will be all that will be needed. - H Shilvock, Spennymoor.