SIR - We are now pretty sure we are safe from 'mass destruction' and know that terrorists are more likely to come from Venezuela than Iraq - or that Al Quaida could be the best motivated group to get rid of Saddam.

As a result, Tony Blair has changed his emphasis to sympathy for the poor Iraqis (many of whom will, of course, have no more worries if they are blitzed).

Unfortunately for Mr Blair UN resolutions do not relate to this latest charge, and his stress on how long they have suffered takes us back to a time when Saddam had Western support or when Bush senior had the opportunity to try to depose him.

Meanwhile Tony's threats are increasingly likely to provoke terrorist reaction, while Saddam is basking in the patriotic fervour aroused by the national emergency in Iraq.

Mr M A Attewell, Durham City

Superb maternity staff

SIR - The University Hospital Durham has had its share of criticism in the past with only the occasional letter in praise.

After the recent experience of my wife and I, we wish to praise the skill, caring and friendliness of all staff in the Maternity Services Department before, during and after the recent birth of our son Thomas.

They are a credit to the hospital and their professions.

David and Leanne Barker, Sacriston

Intolerance condemned

SIR - I was pleased to read that something positive is being done for the young people of our community in the shape of a skateboard rink, to be situated next to Meadowfield's sports centre.

I welcome this wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, however, one local man is not the same mind as myself and many more other parents and he is petitioning people against this recreational facility.

I am trying hard to understand his intolerance of young people. How would he feel as an adult if he were denied any recreational or social activity? Maybe we should close all the public houses and social clubs that adults may wish to frequent.

Young people are members of our community and deserve more youth clubs and facilities like this. Intolerance in society is a dreadful thing.

We should embrace all the people of our community.

Mrs L A Catterson, Brandon

Ode to an empty bus

SIR - Durham residents should make a fuss

about the unnecessary cathedral bus.

It's a total waste of council dosh.

As it certainly runs at a loss.

The other day I even saw two

buses waiting in a queue,

to pay £2 or use a card.

(For exiting the Market Place now is hard)

Each bus was empty - no one there

apart from the driver, so no fare.

Can't the council see they've made a mistake

For not only £2 from drivers they now take

But also taxpayers have to subsidise

the cathedral bus which empty lies.

Also, council workers stand each day

taking cards and money that we pay

As the machine hasn't worked since installed.

What a waste of money - I am appalled.

R Porter, Belmont, Durham

Church furniture sold

SIR - In 2001 there was a consistory court hearing resulting from a faculty application made by St John's College to reorder its chapel, the former parish church of St. Mary the Less on South Bailey.

Following the hearing the chancellor allowed the college to remove the Victorian poppyhead chancel pews and kneelers.

The faculty document, dated 22 February 2002, stated that they should be 'kept together and placed in the Diocesan Redundant Church Furnishings Store until required in another church or chapel.'

The chancellor also required that 'a small plaque be affixed to each separate piece of choir pew furniture to record the pews' provenance and the use to which they had been put.'

These pews were attractive and appropriate in their setting and they had been in the church for at least 150 years. Some of us fought hard to keep them there. They were a small part of this city's rich heritage.

I have just discovered that the Durham Diocesan Advisory Committee, with the reluctant approval of the chancellor, has sold these items of church furniture to a private dealer for £310.

Is it not time that responsibility for items of this sort, and church buildings themselves, was put in the hands of people who appreciate them eg: local authority heritage and conservation departments working with English Heritage?

Clearly the present system is not working and this city is the poorer for it.

Mrs Fleur E Coppock, Durham City

Plea for music talent

SIR - I am trying to put together a series of local band nights at the Gala Theatre in Durham.

I believe that it is right that Durham's new theatre should be used to showcase local talent.

So if you belong to a local music group (of any kind) or are a solo performer, and would like to play at the Gala, I'd like to hear from you.

Whether you play jazz, pop, rock, folk, country, metal, ambient house, jungle or whatever, please send your demos, biographies etc. to me.

Richard Ormerod, Roseberry Cottage, Littleburn Lane, Langley Moor, Durham DH7 8HA

Wellies needed to play

SIR - I have been blessed with a gorgeous granddaughter and she loves taking me to Chester-le-Street Riverside Park. We make straight for the enclosed play are and this is where the problem is. The local council has not laid a solid footpath in this play area and we always come home with muddy shoes.

Could I suggest that Chester-le-Street Council resolve our problem by using money saved from not gritting our roads plus some of the massive profit we make on our glorious new cricket complex to supply my granddaughter with one pair of yellow 'Tweenie' wellingtons, size five.

Mr B Standley, Chester-le-Street

Council needs clean-up

SIR - I found it very strange indeed to read as your lead on the front page of the Advertiser (week ending February 8) that the Leader of Chester-le-Street District Council has had to take measures because of the inconsiderate action of members of the public in allowing their dogs to foul public places.

Fines of £50 have had to be introduced for the offence and the council's Environment Enforcement Officer is to train a further eight employees to assist him in his efforts.

Is Mr Pratt aware that I personally, over the past three years, have had to contact the Sacriston Depot over 20 times in order that they go to the children's play area near Moorfoot Avenue in order to empty litter bins that were full to overflowing with bags of dog excrement?

Maybe he should hand out £50 fines to those members of the council staff who fail to carry out their duties.

D Halford, Chester-le-Street

Approachable council

SIR - I refer to the letter from W P Dinsdale (You Write, January 25).

He claims that the council is now more approachable and that meetings can always be arranged. Since I became Leader of Chester-le-Street District Council 12 years ago I have prided myself in being approachable and I have always met individuals or organisations, with just two exceptions which were for very good reasons.

Indeed, Mr Dinsdale has met me on a number of occasions. In addition I have frequently visited organisations and groups to talk to them about the work of the council and have always been very well received.

Councillor Malcolm Pratt, Chester-le-Street District Council leader.