I AM horrified by the possibility of demolishing the College of Technology in Cleveland Avenue, Darlington.

The present buildings were built with two major aspirations in mind: to educate and train craftspeople to all levels of expertise and to teach them how best to serve the public.

This country is still in great need of all types of craftsmen and women. There is a traffic problem in Cleveland Avenue which would just be transferred to Yarm Road if the college were moved.

Is the proposed move for financial and political reasons, or is it to improve educational facilities? The latter should be the only reason for a move.

The present college is not an old building. It could easily be adapted to modern requirements.

The building includes the former Darlington Girls' High School which architecturally is an interesting and pleasing building.

The old school hall has walls covered with oak panelling - one hopes this can be preserved for the future.

I hope further thought will be given to the idea of demolishing the college in Cleveland Avenue.

The town is worthy of an imposing, useful educational college of technology. This can be found at present in Cleveland Avenue. - Arabella Kurdi, Organiser with British Families Education Source, Germany; former head of department at Darlington College of Technology.

DARLINGTON FC

SOME people have short memories (HAS, Feb 17). If it had not been for George Reynolds putting his money into Darlington FC we would not have a football team now.

George was right about players' high wages. Just take a look at how many clubs are going to the wall because of them.

While we have George we will always have a football team.

With regards to players, George has always said the money would be there for the right players at the right price.

There has been controversy about a young man being banned from Feethams. I would say 95 per cent of supporters will agree with this. If these sort of people want to upset the supporters they should be sent to Tony Blair. I am sure he could find them a place in the front line in Iraq. - H Dinsdale, Darlington.

COULD Colin Todd be next in line for the manager's job at Darlington FC? He will have some good contacts to get a good squad together for the new stadium and promotion - if we survive relegation this season with the squad we have at the moment. - N Tate, Darlington.

SAME SEX COUPLES

I AGREE with the Reverend Graham Morgan's comments on Darlington council's decision to allow same sex couples to "make public declarations of their commitment" (Echo, Feb 14).

I find the whole idea perverse. Only lunatic left wing councillors would allow such a thing to happen.

Once Darlington was a large, thriving market town. It now seems that it will become a hotbed for homosexuals who will no doubt flaunt their sexuality in front of the town's inhabitants. - Christopher Wardell, Darlington.

I WAS shocked to read the views of the Reverend Graham Morgan slating the council. Is it really 2003? It was like reading something from 50 years ago!

I think it is great what the council are doing. It is encouraging people to make a commitment to each other in a monogamous relationship. I don't see the harm in that. I certainly do not see it as a bad message to be sending out to others.

I thought the church was open to all people. I did not realise that it was open to discrimination.

I praise Darlington council for setting the equal opportunity standard for the future. - Joanne Scott, Darlington.

COUNCIL TAX: THE council is raising council tax once again way over inflation levels,

grinding us poor people of Darlington into the ground.

What does it do with the money? It certainly is not spent on the rubbish strewn pot-holed streets of this town.

I think it is time for a regime change at the council. - P Dent, address supplied.