FOOTBALL STRIP: WHILST I agree with George Reynolds that a predominantly white shirt is not particularly inspiring, I think that tradition in football is very important.

This would have been an ideal opportunity to revive Darlington's original colours of black and white hoops.

To change colours completely to red and white? Definitely not! - Geoff Carr, Darlington.

I AM disgusted to see the identity of Darlington FC taken from the true supporter.

How the chairman can introduce red and white stripes for our home strip is beyond belief.

If George Reynolds is reading this, for once listen to the people who matter (the fans) and let's go back to black and white.

It wouldn't suprise me if our away kit is blue and white stripes just to rub it in even further. - P Bradshaw, Darlington.

NISSAN

YOUR Comment (Echo, Apr 26) makes some very valid points regarding the dithering over whether we will join the euro or not, and Nissan's threat to move production elsewhere.

This tactic worked three years ago when Nissan extracted large financial support from the Government to keep production of the Micra at Sunderland.

Since Nissan was taken over by Renault and the French government has a large stake in Renault, this threat has a ring of further French conspiracy about it.

Evidence of this was shown when it was claimed Nissan needed to move production to France, although it would be more feasible (labour costs, etc) economically to move to Germany or Greece.

Other companies now move to more favourable places rather than the over-regulated EU.

It is now apparent that there are too many problems for the UK to join the euro in the near future. The continual delay in making a decision is now recognised in many quarters as a bigger threat to future investment in our country than staying out of the single currency until these problems are resolved.

Political manoeuvring by our leaders, now taking place to appease europhiles, is a dereliction of their duty to our country. - J Heslop, Gainford.

PREVIOUS research on the effect on British industry of not adopting the euro has been proved well founded by the announcement that the next Nissan model is very likely to be produced in the eurozone.

The North-East Chamber of Commerce recognised the impact of the loss of jobs at Nissan and at the company's suppliers if the firm has to reach the decision to locate production elsewhere.

It was right to point out that some other organisations may not gain as much from entry to the euro but the criticism based on 'one interest rate fits all' needs to be looked at objectively.

It is also true that the EU interest rate is currently lower than that of the UK largely because of the slower rate of growth in the European Union as a whole. We are not isolated from that slower growth because a large majority of our trade is with the EU and will grow as new members are absorbed.

Already low production figures in the UK indicate pressure for a reduced central bank rate that will bring us close to the European Central Bank rate.

If we were in the euro the base interest rate would be set by the European Central Bank and we would be on a level playing field and have a say on how interest rates are fixed. 'One interest rate fits all' is not a sound argument against our entry into the euro, but gaining a reforming voice in the European Central Bank and having fair competition for our manufacturing industry is. - Bill Morehead, Darlington.

STATE INDUSTRIES

I AGREE with Mr Kelly (HAS, Apr 24) about the destruction of our railway system. No more so than here in the North-East.

A fair number of these branch lines were the lifeblood of some outlying areas in this Labour heartland. It was as if someone was saying: "We will teach you."

I have asked myself many, many times why was the destruction of our national heritage was so vicious. First the railways, then the start of pit closures, the rundown of shipbuilding, steel making. Why did this happen under a Labour government?

Yes, it started under no less a person than Harold Wilson, former Prime Minister.

All I would say is it is a pity the Tories were not in power - then we could have blamed them then as we do now. - Peter Brown, Trimdon Village.

IRAQ

MANY people who thought we were justified in going to war against Iraq must have had second thoughts after seeing the dreadful uncivilised behaviour of many after being relieved.

The widespread looting and wilful damage resulting in total anarchy was unbelievable, yet had we not gone to war, persecution and torture for those opposed to the regime would have gone on for years.

Right or wrong, one can only admire the courageous stance taken by Tony Blair against so much opposition.

Sadly though, when it comes to standing up for Britain's rights against EU bureaucracy, appeasement seems to be the order of the day.

We agree and adhere to all the rules and regulations churned out daily, while others often choose to ignore them.

Should the Iraq conflict be a total success, Mr Blair will no doubt hope for a repeat when trying to persuade us to join the euro.

One may well ask had we joined the euro before the war how would he have obtained the money from the euro kitty, when most of the members were against any conflict, to wage it? - Douglas Punchard, Kirkbymoorside.