IT was truly sad and negative to read Brenda Dodge's letter and that she did not enjoy her visit.

Yes we have one or two eyesores, but no worse than any other big city.
I have always found the metro staff helpful and the tourist centre in Fawcett Street friendly and go out of their way to help find local places of interest.

Recently I went to Roker and Seaburn. I can honestly say they have some of the cleanest and the best beaches for miles. Much better than some resorts in Spain.

You don't have to travel far in Sunderland to find the Empire Theatre or the amazing Glass Centre, or our many seafront restaurants.

Brenda Dodge, I hope you come back in the future and see the many positive things our friendly city has to offer that you would not find in the South of England.

We can not judge the quality of a book by its cover.
Peter Kerr,
Fulwell

Beyond belief
AS a long time reader of the Echo Letters Page I have never come across such a vile, disgusting letter as Reward the Workers not the Shirkers written by Name and Address Supplied (Echo, Monday, August 4).

In this letter I read the term Tory vandalism, so I assume that is the political party that Name and Address Supplied (whoever that is) votes for, and that is his or her choice, but to insult the people of Sunderland and its pit villages, ex-ship builders and ex-miners calling them losers and no-hopers is beyond belief.

He or she goes on to say: "You don't need to do enough to cover your wages when you are over-protected by powerful unions".

Did the ships build themselves or the coal dig itself out of the pit? No, this was done by hard working grafters, not shirkers. Not only that, but Name and Address Supplied does not say what work he or she does, if any.

I think the good people of Sunderland should remember this letter by Name and Address Supplied the next time they choose a political party in future elections.
S Bonallie,
Zetland Square,
Sunderland

Praise for staff
I HAVE regretted for three years never joining the writers who praised all staff at the Royal Hospital for their care.

This time I write immediately to correct that omission. I say immediately because there is a chance now to praise and thank the nurses and carers who attend to patients in their own homes.

Their devotion and friendliness is wonderful and they all have my gratitude.

I also thank those who nursed (for ages) and helped John at the Royal and Newcastle Road physiotherapy.

I should have wrote then, but am not going to be so slack about thanking all home nurses and carers. Your skill, attention and support was very much appreciated.

As is the Marie Curie relief service which affords time out for sick people's carers and anyone else involved with serious illness.

My thanks go to all the aforementioned people. In home and in hospitals they are doing dedicated and magnificent work.
M Shearer,
Sunderland

Financial chaos
AS A 74-year-old pensioner I am sick of the slaver coming out of this Government's mouth.

Gordon Brown and his followers continue to squeeze tax out of me, because I saved all of my life to have a second pension.

Why do they continue to prosecute, financially, pensioners like me and thousands of others?

This does not happen in most European Countries, hoping to live in retirement paying my way with mortgage etc.

I have now been forced into financial chaos created by Prime Minister Brown and friends who simply do not know or care how the other half lives, long before this fuel crisis.
Observer

Phenomenal
I WISH to say well done to Rachael Dixon, for being so brave and beautiful.
She went through two-and-a-half years of intensive chemotherapy and, although poorly, thought of others and raised thousands of pounds for children in the same situation.
I am privileged to have met her and her family briefly, as my daughter, Danielle, was receiving treatment on Ward 16, in the Teenage Cancer Unit during Rachael's time spent there.
Sadly, I lost my daughter in February this year and I was overwhelmed when I saw Rachael on the front page of the Echo. I am so happy for her and her family.
Rachael is an inspiration to her family, friends and other young cancer sufferers.
I wish Rachael all the love, luck and happiness she deserves and for her to continue her charity work.
She is phenomenal.
Karen Vickerson,
Danielle's mum

Victorian Memorial
I WAS sad to read and see what happened to the Memorial in Mowbray Park.
When I was a young girl I always remember my grandma telling me and family about the Victorian disaster – I am 76.
I have never forgotten this. I've been back to the park and am pleased to see this beautiful Memorial has been repaired and back to normal again and is standing in peace.
Lilian Stevenson,
St Peter's Riverside,
Monkwearmouth,
Sunderland