IRAQ: WHEN is Tony Blair going to stop sending our troops into the cauldron of hell called Iraq?

He must stop pandering to Mr Bush and realise these men are human beings, not cannon fodder.

Their job is not ultimately to be killed, but to be protectors and peacemakers.

You have lost the plot Tony. Take notice of these diplomats. They speak for us all. - Mary Armstrong, Crook.

TELEVISION

WHO are the producers of a lot of the programmes on TV these days? We all know the swear words, but do our ears have to be assaulted with them on a nightly basis?

These four-letter obscenities do not enhance the viewing enjoyment.

As a child, if I were heard to utter a mild oath I was soon forced to wash my mouth out with soap and water. In Gordon Ramsay's case, a mouthwash of caustic soda would be more appropriate.

I am no prude, but I have to ask myself if this is the sort of strong language used in homes these days, whatever happened to family values? Mary Whitehouse must turn in her grave nightly.

Incidentally, my wife can produce a wonderful tarte tatin without the use of oaths. - DA Savage, Romanby.

COUNTRYSIDE

THE nearest thing to heaven ever created on earth was the traditional English countryside; a countryside of small fields enclosed by ancient hedgerows bright with wild flowers and the sound of birdsong; of bustling villages and hamlets connected by winding lanes where you would pass only the occasional vehicle; of a way of life based on close contact with Mother Earth and in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

In losing all that we cannot even begin to comprehend the enormity of our loss. If only we could go back to around 1950 - before the current mania for agro-chemicals, woodland clearance and the rest of it really took off - and do things differently.

We can't, of course, but the only thing we can do is to bear in mind that there are significant fragments of Old England still left if you look hard enough.

These need tending and cherishing with all our might, both for their intrinsic worth and as models for the intelligent creation of new habitats for people and for wildlife.

All it takes is a little common sense and forethought. That's not asking too much - or is it? - T Kelly, Crook.

ARMY CADETS

I APPEAL to your readers to help run their local Army Cadet Force detachment. We are desperately short of helpers.

The ACF is a national youth organisation - it is not part of the Armed Forces and adult helpers have no call-up liability whatsoever. Previous military experience is not needed, as all training will be given.

The ACF helps our young people get a good start in life by offering them activities that keep them off the streets and that give them a chance to do something positive with their lives.

ACF cadets can do the Duke of Edinburgh scheme; gain a BTEC worth four GCSEs just by attending and completing cadet training; have activity weekends away from home and take part in a two-week summer camp.

The ACF teaches cadets life skills such as first aid, and fosters a sense of moral responsibility towards the local community, and cadets also help raise money for local charities. The ACF is also involved with the Outreach programme to help socially disadvantaged youngsters.

But we can only do this if we have enough adult helpers. The commitment is a couple of evenings a week, one weekend in every five, and one or two weeks for Summer Camp. For this they are paid up to 28 days a year as well as duty-related travel expenses.

We need more adult helpers. If you think you have something to offer in helping young teenagers do something worthwhile with their lives, please ring 01904 490529 and say you are interested in becoming an adult helper, or visit your local ACF detachment, whose telephone number is in the local directory. - K Hutchinson, Yorks (N&W) AFC.

CASINOS

I HAVE noticed in the press recently more and more licences are being granted to casino operators.

Surely this is another example of local authorities being totally irresponsible and failing in their public duty to protect vulnerable people.

I cannot imagine there is a great demand for these places and, apart from rich people throwing money away, there will be many who can ill afford to gamble.

Families will suffer without doubt and people should wake up and object when such applications are presented to councillors who, after all, are supposed to look after the interests of those who elected them and not fill the pockets of people who prey on the weakest in society. - Hugh Pender, Darlington.

EUROPE

THE letter by AE James (HAS, Apr 27) about Europe and the European Union should not go unanswered.

The EU should immediately be informed if AE James has any facts to substantiate his accusation of corruption.

A thorough system of control exists within the EU in order to deal with any misdemeanour, and all European citizens can help by being vigilant.

A person more acquainted with the economy of the UK than the German professor whom AE James is quoting is surely the Chancellor, Gordon Brown.

He has advanced a serious agenda for economic reform in Europe. British leadership has made a big contribution to this. - E Whittaker, Richmond.

RAIL SERVICES

WHY are the passengers from Saltburn, Marske, Redcar and Middlesbrough so infuriated at the thought of having to change trains in Darlington, when passengers west of the "Heritage Line", ie Bishop Auckland, Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Heighington and North Road, have always had to change trains in Darlington for Newcastle and the north and York and the south.

If we were talking of thousands rather than hundreds then we would have something to cry or shout about.

Trains from Darlington, north and south, provided by GNER, Virgin and First National mean that passengers have no longer than ten to 15 minutes to wait for a connection. Is that hardship? - Eric Younghusband, Shildon.