IF the killers of James Bulger are released soon - and it remains a big "if" - there can be no doubt that preserving their anonymity will be extremely difficult.

Emotions are understandably running high about the anticipated release of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables and it is abundantly clear that the majority of people oppose their release.

Most people firmly believe that eight years is an inadequate sentence for such an horrific crime.

James Bulger's mother and father are sickened at the prospect of the boys winning their freedom, as any parent would be in their position.

Our view is that it is not an easy decision for the Parole Board. Indeed, it is highly complex.

Venables and Thompson, children when they committed their despicable crime, will be released at some time in the future - whether that is now or after a longer and more publicly-acceptable term in prison.

But when they are released, they must be given complete anonymity or there is no point letting them out at all and the public appetite for "an eye for an eye" justice will surely take its course.

There are only two options: keep them as political prisoners, locked up for a truly terrifying crime they committed as children; or give them a chance to rebuild their lives in secret.

Freedom must come with anonymity - or not at all.

Shame on us

AS The Northern Echo's campaign says, Darlington should be treasuring its railway heritage. It is unique, it is precious and, in tourism terms, it is hugely undervalued.

Instead of capitalising on that glorious opportunity, attempts to capture the spirit of Darlington's only real claim to worldwide fame appear to be jinxed.

A year ago, the much-heralded Cavalcade of Steam, which was to have brought thousands of tourists to the birthplace of the railways, collapsed in financial chaos.

Now, an initiative to build a steam locomotive - the A1 Pacific Tornado - is jeopardised by a bitter legal wrangle.

What would the visionary pioneers of the railways think about a town, which undeniably played a key role in revolutionising the world, not being able to get its act together?

Not a lot, we would suggest.