Hear All Sides

THE ARC

I WAS interested to see the comment by your Entertainment Editor (Echo, Nov 14) that the closure of Stockton's Arc "threatens the whole future of the theatre on Teesside".

This year, Middlesbrough Theatre has hosted, amongst others: a new play by TV writer Simon Block; a new play about the death of Captain Cook; a revival of a rarely-seen 18th Century French farce by Marivaux; a production of Ben Elton's Popcorn; an adaptation of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, performed by a company including learning-disabled actors; the first season of weekly rep in Middlesbrough for nearly 50 years, including plays by Alan Ayckbourn, Francis Durbridge and Noel Coward classical ballet from Ballet Russe, comprising former members of the Bolshoi and Kirov Ballets.

The loss of any arts facility in the region is to be deeply regretted.

However, can I assure all those concerned about the future of live theatre on Teesside that it is alive and well and living in Middlesbrough. - David Lindsey, Manager, Middlesbrough Theatre.

LAMENTABLE though it is that the Arc is now defunct (Echo, Nov 14), could the situation possibly work in favour of Billingham Forum?

Many have thought for some time that the proposed closure and non-replacement of the Forum Theatre was a ploy to boost audiences at the Arc.

Now that venue has gone, the opportunity to develop Billingham's theatre as a centre for the arts in the area seems to be the most sensible option. - EA Moralee, Billingham.

EUROPE

ROBIN Ashby (HAS, Nov 16) says that Britain is the most expensive place on the continent. Can he tell us that we will all be better off by losing the pound and why, if things are that good in the eurozone, we are being swamped by thousands of immigrants, mostly illegal, coming into our country.

And finally, where is this referendum that Labour promised our people on the pound?

The Great has been taken out of Britain by Labour policies. - F Wealands, Darlington.

COUNCILLOR Paul Brannen (HAS, Nov 8) seems to typify the dishonesty that federalists are resorting to as the economic case for the euro disintegrates.

Perhaps that is a bit harsh and, like many who see themselves as pro-European, his hopes are unrealistic and his trust grossly abused.

In the past, the UK was able to bargain with the other countries and get something in exchange for approving their federalist schemes. Now they can go ahead without us and we have been stripped of our major bargaining chip.

This is how bad things can be even in one of the six areas where we would keep a veto after the Treaty of Nice. Remember, 39 other vetoes are being abolished! Democrats have no need to spread scare stories. The truth is scary enough. - C Bull, Darlington.

THE ENVIRONMENT

WHILST I fully support the positive stance shown this week by the Government over the Kyoto protocol on climate change, I have some doubts as to its ability to put its own house in order.

The Government's disjointed and incoherent approach to green issues means that it is not able to answer the very question that it asks of business: What can be done to improve the Government's own energy consumption levels?

As it does not know how much energy each department uses, these departments have little incentive to reduce their energy consumption. Its air conditioning plants contain coolants that add to global warming. Its procurement policy is fragmented, and pays no more than lip service to environmental issues.

So, here's my suggestion. Why not turn down the temperature in Government buildings? Temperatures are too high as it is, leading to lethargy and inefficiency. Why not wind down the wick in hospitals? They are swelteringly hot. Perhaps we might see a reduction in the rampant incidence of cross-infection, leading to a reduction in suffering, medical costs and heating bills? - A Ruff, Ellingham, Northumberland.

WAR ON TERRORISM

IT HAS not been widely reported but the State of Virginia Supreme Court has just re-legalised the burning of crosses by the Klu Klux Klan, thus enabling this despicable organisation to resume terrorising black communities.

The word hypocrisy has taken on a whole new meaning since George W Bush and Tony Blair have developed the policy of double standards to a fine art.

At the beginning of this conflict, the Northern Alliance was told not to enter Kabul but, heavily armed by the US and Russia, it now feels it can do what it likes. One rag-tag army has been supplanted by another and trouble lies ahead.

The US was so hell-bent on revenge for September 11 and with Mr Blair falling over backwards to mimic President Bush, they may have bitten off more than they can chew.

Whether the Taliban or the Northern Alliance or any of several other power bases try to control Afghanistan, the future of that country is fraught with danger and uncertainty.

History has shown time and time again that, when one culture tries to interfere in the affairs of another, it ends in tears. - Hugh Pender, Darlington.

HEALTH SERVICE

IN this day and age, when so many people are in a great hurry to decry the health service, I would like to praise my GP in Ferryhill, Bishop Auckland General Hospital and the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

Recently, I was a patient at the Freeman Hospital. The care and dedication of the doctors and nurses was wonderful.

From my first visit to my GP with the symptoms that led to my being admitted, the timescale was eight weeks, which included consultations and several tests at Bishop Auckland General Hospital. I was referred to the Freeman Hospital, where, within a short time, I was admitted.

I am now at home recuperating and, very happy to say, progressing well with great after care from the district nurse. - LV Dixon, Ferryhill.