31/12/05

This was an offensive remark, and the residents of Eastbourne must have found it both patronising and offensive to be alluded to as some sort of social underclass.

Now Coun Frank Robson attacks the motives and good sense of the people of Hurworth and the school governors (HAS, Dec 22).

Whilst over recent years educational provision in this borough has sunk in many aspects to unacceptable levels, it has been Hurworth School, backed by its governors and local community, that has achieved outstanding success. With pupils from every ward in the borough and without the benefit of vast amounts of funding, it has led the way. To accuse the council of caring nothing for education throughout the whole of the borough is to ignore the facts.

Being astonished at a proposal that may close Eastbourne School, whilst ignoring the fact that the current academy proposal advocates the same, and seeking praise simply for spending massive amounts of taxpayers' money, are not factors that seem to advance this debate.

Recognising the goodwill of all parties and exploring alternative formulas for the acquisition of an academy or equivalent funding could be much more effective. - Councillor Barrie Armstrong, Conservative Group Education Spokesman, Darlington Council.

DARLINGTON Borough Council considers itself omnipotent so when its view is questioned it replies in a dismissive and dictatorial manner.

It "intervenes to block letter" (Echo, Dec 23) sent by Hurworth School governors to parents in feeder schools. In the same day's paper, it was reported that items relating to High Row were removed from an exhibition by the Darlington Civic Trust.

The council seems to have a long arm, since a letter to the Department of Transport relating to High Row sent over two months ago has gone unanswered. I wrote to our local MP about two weeks ago and his silence is deafening.

My, how the council must hate High Row! Its members now know, based on statutory authority, that they cannot raise and pave High Row and that they cannot pave over other roadways within the Pedestrian Heart. On past history their reply is likely to be: "We can do what we like no matter what the law says." - John W Antill, Darlington.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN

PRINCE Charles, assisted by the Duchess of Cornwall, recently unveiled our national Battle of Britain monument in central London.

Sadly, the BBC and ITV both chose to ignore the event so many family and friends of 'The Few' are even now unaware of its existence.

Happily, we made a film of the unveiling (in DVD and VHS format), which included a speech by Prince Charles, Defence Secretary John Reid and ex-RAF pilot Norman Tebbitt, that is now available.

Today there are half a million relatives and friends of the brave youngsters who saved this country from invasion in the Second World War. Hopefully, many of them will read this letter.

Information about the monument and film is available from the address below. - Bill Bond, Battle of Britain Historical Society, Gunthorpe, Melton Constable, Norfolk, NR24 2NS.

BUS SHELTER

EVERY time I pass the new bus shelter near the war memorial at Low Willington, recently opened by Princess Anne, I can't help wondering about the design.

Whereas the old shelter gave almost total protection, the new one is wide open at all sides, which makes it no better than an umbrella. - Eddie Taylor, Crook.

PETER MULLEN

'TIS the season of goodwill to all men, unless of course, you are Peter Mullen.

His column (Echo, Dec 20) was yet another onslaught on anybody unable to accept the beliefs of our Peter.

Anyone unable to accept his religious beliefs is lumped in with the likes of Stalin and Pol Pot, ignoring the fact that wars over religions have been fought and are still being waged.

He seems unwilling to accept that in this multicultural country of ours it is possible to live a decent caring life without having his personal religious beliefs.

It would be interesting to hear other comments on Peter Mullen's intolerant outbursts. - Eric Gendle, Nunthorpe.

COUNCIL LOGO

THE Government spending watchdog, the Audit Commission, has recently concluded that the majority of councils are failing to reach acceptable standards in their spending patterns. The taxpayer does not appear to be getting value for money.

Here in Sedgefield Borough a great deal of public concern surrounds this council's decision to change its logo at the reputed cost of £72,000. A scandalous example of unwarranted extravagance.

This, incidentally, is the same borough council which, some time ago resorted to bailiff pressure against me to recover disputed arrears of £33. The stigma still haunts me.

There can be little doubt that I was being taught a lesson for having the audacity to challenge them. My subsequent claim of maladministration was later upheld by the local government ombudsman.

The great public interest must always be the overriding factor in local government administration.

Regrettably, this does not always appear to be the case. - AW Dunn, Spennymoor.