January 2nd, 2007

So I suggest that, instead of the criminals sitting around, we sentence them to work to pay back their financial debt to us all.

We work out what the costs are - police, courts, damage to property, including all insurance and out-of-pocket expenses, and their stay in prison.

We convert these costs into what it costs to plant a tree, one thing that would really be a benefit to the planet. When the costs have been worked out, a one-year sentence could equate to, say, 200,000 saplings.

After vetting, those incapable of doing this kind of work could do lighter work, such as preparing food and washing clothes, for the working gangs on the moorlands.

Some may disagree with this, but I believe most hard-working, honest people are fed up with having to fund the way the criminal is looked after.

I also believe a sentence is exactly that, and that retraining for rehabilitation comes at the end of the term in jail - not during. - MDF Stubley, Barnard Castle, Co Durham.

CHRISTIANITY

HE SMITH states quite correctly that Christianity has a bloody history (HAS, Dec 26).

From the First Crusade for around the next 300 years various Popes and so-called Christian knights waged war against the Muslims to try and retake Jerusalem.

Countless thousands were slaughtered on both sides until, after the Fifth Crusade, the "takers of the cross" gave up.

Having said that, religion evolves like everything else and basic Christianity gives sound advice on how to lead a decent life.

Many Christians contribute positively to everything that is good in society as, of course, do followers of other faiths.

What a pity we have so many hypocrites among leading politicians here and in the US.

In reply to Steve Colburn (HAS, Dec 26), I agree with almost all he said, but I see no harm in admiring people like Mandela and Gandhi for surely the world would be a poorer place without them or their memory. - Hugh Pender, Darlington.

WHILE not wanting to dignify HE Smith's letter about Christianity (HAS, Dec 26) with a reply, I know mud sometimes sticks and so must make two things clear:

1) When viewed against the backdrop of world history, in which Christianity has played such a decisive role, those blackspots of persecution in Christianity's record can be seen as isolated and untypical. Usually cases of Christians persecuting each other, they were invariably due to religion getting mixed up with politics, with politics being very definitely in control.

2) Throughout the ages the most distinctive role of Christianity has been one of self-sacrifice, heroic endurance, dauntless courage and practical compassion: a dispassionate reading of history, including some very recent history, leaves no other conclusion.

What Christians have to offer the world is unique. In a sense, they need no political, let alone military, endorsement. The truth is its own best defence. - Tony Kelly, Crook, Co Durham.

TIME SETTINGS

TORY MP Tim Yeo is currently promoting a Private Member's Bill proposing to change the current clock time settings in the UK.

His proposal is to move the clocks forward one hour in winter and move the clocks forward by two hours in summer.

He argues that "accidents may reduce", based on facts from a trial some 37 years ago.

Apparently, this Bill is popular in the South of England where they will enjoy more daylight on an evening.

As for Scotland, Northern England and Ulster, we shall inherit long dark mornings. We will, on safety grounds, have to take our kids to school in person, or in the car, as it will be pitch dark when they go.

However, what Mr Yeo does not mention when advocating darkness for the North, is that to move the clocks ties the UK's business working times with continental Europe's business hours.

Is this the real reason for the change, or does he really have safety concerns? - Mark Anderson, Middleton St George, near Darlington.

HAPPY DAY

I WAS amused to read Chris Wardell's letter (HAS, Dec 23) on his insistence that a national Happy Day should be English only.

Historians would have us believe that St George himself was Turkish, our Royal family is certainly anything but English, and the English language has French, German, Greek and Latin influences.

Immigrants have been coming to the United Kingdom for hundreds of years .The difference between then and now is that, historically, immigrants accepted and adopted our culture whereas the opposite is true now.

If we were to have a national day for "English only" in South Park, Darlington, I would suggest the only thing English would be the real ale. Even the beef would be open to question. - Kev McStravick, Darlington.

GURKHA PENSIONS

WITH reference to your article about the pensions protest in Downing Street by retired Gurkhas (Echo, Dec 15).

Gurkhas fight (or serve) side by side with our own forces and therefore are equally open to injury and death. It is a sad fact that many have in the past been killed or seriously wounded.

Surely their lives are just as valuable to their loved ones as our sons and daughters are to us.

When they sign up, it is to do the same as everyone else in the Armed Forces. This being so, they should be due equal pay, just as in the case of any other kind of job, as well as British Forces' pensions. - Mrs Theresa Hughes, Haswell Plough, Co Durham.

POSTAGE STAMPS

RE the letter about the rise in postage stamps (HAS, Dec 27). Three cards I posted never got to their destination. I duly filled in forms at the Post Office. Many weeks later I received three letters (one addressed to a Mrs T Sheffield?) saying as I did not get a free receipt of posting there was nothing they could do.

Does that mean we shouldn't use the post box until our letters have been receipted?

A packed post office on December 9 meant I posted two letters, to my insurance company and the DVLA. They still had not been received as of December 27 - and they have the cheek to increase the price of a stamp.

I was also told: "Don't post on a Saturday, as they go to Leeds first." Why, may I ask? - Mrs E Richards, Darlington.

HUNT MEET

WHAT a Meet. What a treat. I turned out to the Zetland Hunt as it set off from Aldbrough St John, near Darlington, on Boxing Day.

There must have been at least 100 lovely horses and splendid riders taking part in this event. A "drag" scent was set out.

I have been following hunts all over England for 70 years, but have never before seen so many participants and followers.

Hooray for hunting. Long may it last, whatever form it takes. - Name and address supplied.