I READ the Echo article "Jailed 18 years after rape".

Can I put my thoughts to this headline, I firstly would like to congratulate the victim, seeing justice after so long.

What prompted my response to this article was the last paragraph reference to the Phoenix Review Team and the fact about victims coming forward.

How do they do this? I ask.

Sexual crimes against a female, yet the female is both the victim and offender. Rape is the only crime where the victim is made to feel guilty.

Statistics show there are more women who remain silent and suffer in silence, having endured this disgusting, soul-destroying and life-destroying crime, against them.

I have encountered a similar situation. It happened to a girl I know who has confided in me about what happened.

She was raped over many months. Yet nearly 30 years later, after this victim went to the police and subsequent arrests, the victim has been informed there is no evidence to pursue it further.

Seems that even though once again a victim has come forward the law has failed her. Can the Phoenix Group answer this?
Confidante

Forgotten bus pass
CAN someone from Stagecoach buses explain to me why my 13-year-old daughter, in school uniform with her friend in the same school uniform had to pay full fare on her bus to school simply because she forgot her bus pass?
It was obvious she was under 16, obvious she was on her way to school as she does every schoolday. But as children occasionally do, she forgot her pass.
We know bus drivers never make mistakes with change, never forget to give a ticket, never drive past a stop when they are late or not paying attention, but surely some day we will get drivers with common sense who can think beyond their little bit of power.
When will managers tell drivers to be practical and sympathetic to children's errors or will they continue to dump children in the middle of nowhere because they don't have the correct fare?
Billy Dane,
Sunderland

Barmy campaign
I HAVE to take issue with the article you printed on October 18 "Keep Speed Camera Vans Same Colour."
Claire Armstrong of the barmy Safespeed campaign suggests that the vans should be the same colour as "consistency is good on the roads," indeed it is!
Since the 1930s the Department for Transport and its predecessor ministries have specified and have been using a method of standard signing and lighting to indicate to the road user what the maximum speed is. It has changed little in its basic principle since its inception, although the finer points of the regulations have evolved over the years.
The Safespeed campaign started out with an idea that suggested speed did not increase the potential for collisions and that speed limits should not be imposed on drivers with above average ability. No practice or research supports this. In fact all notable roads-related studies in the subject suggest just the opposite.
Continuity is provided by speed limit indications and they are all noted in the Highway Code and the Department for Transport leaflet "Speed: Know your limits" found on the web at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/speedmanagement/speedknowyourlimits.pdf
When the law and driver training is safely observed there is absolutely no requirement for consistency in speed enforcement vehicle colour as the driver who chooses that method has absolutely no reason to acknowledge their presence.
Steve Callaghan

Barefaced cheek
STUART Porthouse (Letters, Oct 7), has taken barefaced cheek to the limit by complaining of the Conservative's attempts to ease the parking misery inflicted on the residents of Herrington by him and his Labour colleagues. The Conservatives have, as usual, got to pick up the pieces caused by the damage left by Labour's callous disregard for residents.
The initial and continuing problem was caused by Stuart Pothouse and his Labour colleagues with their over-enthusiastic and blind application of Planning Guideline PPG13. This was used to restrict the number of car parking spaces on new developments and in theory reduce the number of cars on the road.
This guideline has a basic standard that is then modified downwards (i.e. lower level of parking provision), according to the accessibility by public transport in the vicinity of the development.
The problem arose here because the council (of which Stuart Porthouse and Leslie Scott were members), applied the strictures of PPG13 to Doxford without ensuring other means of transport were available.
Mr Porthouse states one of the major employers has now unveiled a travel plan "which will reduce the need for parking space" and goes on to say this is something he and Leslie Scott "backed when Doxford overspill problem was at its height". If this is the case why did they not, as normal, enforce Travel Plans as a condition of the Planning Consent? They had the power to do so. What lack of foresight prevented them from doing this? After all Travel Plans have been actively promoted through Government guidance since the 1990s.
Coun Alan Wright,
Conservative, St Chad's Ward

What has become of the place I knew?
LAST WEEK I went to Sunderland, or perhaps a small corner of it, with which I used to be familiar.
What has become of the place that I knew?
It is about 40-50 years since I last walked into town – or is it a city, remembering my school days and my youth.
At first I noticed the constant stream of traffic pouring in and out of what I understand is called the Park Lane Interchange.
Next, Porritt's corner, gone! Then into Vine Place. Thatcher's – or was is Richardson's, perhaps both. High class grocery stores, the smell of ground coffee drifting from the opening doors.
Maxwell's Model Shop, no longer there, Mallen's quality men's outfitters. I did used to enjoy looking at the shirts on display in the window and on occasions I did buy one or two. Fairman's the Chemist with its beautiful assistants. Books Fashions. All sadly gone.
Galey's and Whittaker's florists and fruiterers, sunk by the supermarkets.
The Ritz, many an hour spent, wasted or enjoyed here. The best that Warner Brothers and MGM could produce, Doris Day, Cagney, Bogart et al. I could go on. Sadly the Ritz did not.
Holmeside used to be an interesting street. Northumbria Printing Works, Shares, even the Northern Bus shed provided an interest.
The Regal. What an appropriate name that was for a cinema. Arguably one of the premier pictures houses in the North of England. A splendid majestic building, very much more posh inside than out. A palace, a wonderland. More misspent youth!
Where is Wilson Robinson? Defty's, Jane Jones, where are the fashionable ladies? Certainly not in Milburn's chattering over their morning coffee or afternoon tea any more.
Strothers and Turvey's car showrooms, Saxon's toys and photography, Ward's little tobacco shop. Maynards for sweets, vanished.
Round the corner to Union Street. Hill's Bookshop, George Brass for reproduction furniture, where have they gone?
In Blandford Street, or just plain Bland Street it's fast food, toys, junk. I did notice a pretty cake shop but was it Smythes?
I remember Cowper Shaw hardware and tools, fireplaces and bathrooms, the assistants wearing long brown dustcoats.
Knightalls stocked some of the best modern or as it was known contemporary furniture at the time.
Burnand's in Maritime Place where there were shoes of all different styles for everyone.
What remains of Crowtree Road? Bergs, where my mother bought me my first new bike, musical instruments etc, Louis' milk bar, ice-cream, milk shakes and a juke box long before Elvis and the Beatles.
These must have been memorable days or I would not have been able to recall them.
Now I feel almost a stranger, sadly.
Old Argylian,
Durham

Well done, Sunderland
IT'S nice of Mick Brown to encourage people to write about the great things of Sunderland.
We really love the Aquatic Centre, it's got everything to inspire even the most stubborn of couch potatoes, while you exercise you can choose to watch TV, listen to your ipod and have an individually planned workout to your favourite band.
The swimming is fantastic too. They have aqua-fit classes, swimming lessons etc and the best facilities I've seen for physically disabled, with hoists and large changing bed, transfers for the pool, and even better, they offer support workers who can assist you from getting you ready, to getting in the pool with you and staying with you.
There's a kinesis gym that's great for any level, my son has cerebral palsy and limited movement and the workout is so good for him. Again the support workers there are fabulous with help and advice.
The best thing is when you walk in it's not all stick people, there's all sizes, shapes, ages, many cultures and disabilities, but you all come through the doors with the same aim, to be fitter and healthier. Well done, Sunderland.
Swim Mam

Let there be light
ALMOST six weeks ago the lights in the Village Centre in Ayton, Washington, stopped working. During the summer months this would not have been an issue, even perhaps going unnoticed.
However, now the nights are drawing in and come 6pm the village centre is plunged into darkness. With the darkness come the kids, many of whom do not live locally, who favour the shadows where they congregate unrecognisable. These kids cause chaos and are abusive to anyone who happens to want to use the local amenities.
The police say we must speak to Sunderland Council. The local councillor says he's passed the details on as a matter of urgency to Aurora, the company responsible for lighting in the area. We are still in the dark. A group of teenagers in the shadows can be extremely intimidating, whether or not they are causing trouble. Will an incident that makes headlines occur before the problem is rectified?
Walker

Guide dogs can be left shell-shocked
AS November the 5th approaches and the season of fireworks begins, guide dog and other assistance dog owners are becoming increasingly worried about the safety of their dogs, many of whom find the loud bangs associated with fireworks too much to bear.
Many readers will be aware that the Fireworks Code reminds us to keep pets indoors on Bonfire Night. However, with fireworks now regularly being let off for weeks before and after November the 5th, the people who depend on assistance dogs for freedom and mobility find that they are no longer able to lead an independent life. They are often housebound, fearing the impact of fireworks on their dog's health and ability to work.
Assistance Dogs UK – a coalition of the charities Guide Dogs, Canine Partners, Dogs for the Disabled, Hearing Dogs and Support Dogs – is asking readers to "Remember, Remember" our working assistance dogs this November.
Why not save fireworks displays for just one night a year by attending fully-organised displays or alternatively ensuring that fireworks are let off well away from residential areas?
Sadly, some assistance dogs who have been severely affected by the sound of fireworks have to take medication which stops them working for a while. The symptoms are shaking, quivering, nervousness and cowering – a kind of canine "shell shock" so severe that dogs have to be sedated for several days.
In the more severe cases, dogs become so traumatised that they are forced into an early retirement as they are unable to cope with everyday noises such as train doors slamming or the sound of a car backfiring.
Both these scenarios mean the disabled person is left without the help of the dog that has transformed their independence and often become their lifeline.
Alan Brooks (Chairman – Assistance Dogs UK)
c/o Guide Dogs, Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, RG7 3YG
Tel: 0118 983 8281

Not just Christmas
AS Christmas is approaching, and the credit crunch is affecting a lot of us, I feel it is appropriate to address the situation of pets at this time of year.
The Echo has documented over this last year an alarming amount of pet animals being abandoned and discarded in our region, and sadly, one of the highest levels of animal abandonment in the UK. This usually peaks around Christmas time when some pet animals have been classed as "unwanted presents."
If you are planning on buying a pet, or re-homing an animal this year as part of your family Christmas celebrations, then please, give it a great amount of serious consideration before you make your decision. You need to take into account whether or not you can cover the cost of feeding and cleaning for your pet, and also make sure you can afford unexpected vet bills.
There are many animals in shelters that could really do with a home this Christmas, and for many christmas's to come. Please consider local animal shelters if you can.
The animal shelters and charities around Sunderland and the North East are often desperate for your support. Many supermarkets and shops have charity baskets for dog and cat food. It doesn't have to be the best or most expensive brand! Just stick a tin of food in your basket next time you're at the shops, and you can do your bit.
I will be collecting donations for "Paws for Thought" and "Animal Crackers," which are two worthy charities that will be grateful of your support. You can bring in any dog food, cat food, blankets, brushes, toys, bric-a-brac and drop them off at my pet shop at Abi's Animal Ark, 21 Derwent Street, Sunderland, SR1 3NU.
Let's hope Sunderland's animals have a great Christmas this year!
Chris Higgins,
Manager,
Abi's Animal Ark

Vermin in hospitals
W QUINN in his letter "Distorted Figures' (Echo, Oct 15) accused me of scaremongering in relation to a report I commented on, about the high level of pest invasion in hospitals.
More than 70 per cent of NHS Trusts freely admitted having problems with rats, fleas, bedbugs, flies and cockroaches between January 2006 and March 2008.
Vermin were found in wards, clinics and even operating theatres. One NHS Trust admitted to having wasps in a neo-natal unit, and flying ants on the main wards, while another reported rats in their maternity unit, and wasps in operating theatres.
W Quinn should have read the report as I did. I am no scaremonger. These NHS trusts supplied the information and thus there was no distorting of any figures.
W Quinn believes that the NHS will not be safe in the hands of the Tories. With 100,000 NHS operations cancelled last year, figures revealing that teenage health is getting steadily worse, over the past three years, more than 20,000 beds have been cut, £12.7 billion of taxpayers' money at risk due to setbacks with the NHS IT system, closures of A&E and maternity units and the slashing of over £3 billion from the NHS budget over the next three years exactly how safe is the NHS in the hands of this Labour shambles?
Coun Shirley Leadbitter,
St Peters Ward

Time to wake up
FRED Brady's twin W Quinn is writing his usual twaddle and peddling his Masters Voice.(Echo Oct 15). The pair of them ramble on and on about the Tories have said this and done that but that's all. No solutions to any problems at all.
Fred Brady did not answer any of the questions posed so perhaps the other armchair politician can answer the same questions perhaps with gusto about his beloved leaders faffing about, starting with the Northern Rock debacle followed by the 10p tax story then the candidate (Labour) who lost his deposit, knife crime, the London Mayor, Post Office closures, road taxes, 42 days detention act and so on and so forth.
Wake up and open your mind to all and by all means point out the Tory faults but with open minds also point out the Labour, or should I say New Labour, faults of which the very biased MP, Mr Mullin, also rambles on about.
The situation in the UK and around the world is going to get worse for as even you know, you can't borrow, spend, throw money away without the piper saying whoa there boy it's time to pay back but how can you when there is no money left in the kitty. We can't even kit our Army out correctly Mr Quinn, so now what?
AH Pallister,
Peterlee

Collectors needed
I AM writing on behalf of all the Marie Curie Nurses in the area to appeal for your readers' help to make a difference to families coping with cancer. We really need people across the North East who can take part in street collections or help deliver and collect daffodil boxes to local businesses as part of our Great Daffodil Appeal during March 2009.
 The Great Daffodil Appeal is Marie Curie Cancer Care's biggest annual fundraising event and takes place throughout March. The funds raised help Marie Curie Nurses to care for more people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes and at our hospice based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
We would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who can help us as soon as possible. If you are interested in helping please phone Marie Curie Cancer Care Community Fundraisers Caroline Stokle or Jane Dennison on 0191 219 1242 or 0191 219 1234 or email caroline.stokle@mariecurie.org.uk or jane.dennison@mariecurie.org.uk.
Caroline Stokle,
Marie Curie Cancer Care

THERE is a very good reason why the authorities don't publish the names and addresses of released sex offenders to the public – because we don't want vigilantes and lynch-mobs on the streets, as has happened on the occasions when offenders' details have become public knowledge. The current system in which sex offenders are monitored by the police and the offenders treated as far as is possible, is working well enough and should continue.
Your singling out of these sorts of offenders for public castigation strikes me as an unchristian attitude for a newspaper that purports to be Christian.
Alan Stewart,
Margaret Alice Street,
Sunderland

I WOULD like to refer to the photo, Shoebox santas. They forgot to say that if it wasn't for all our friends and relations saving their loose change we could not have sent 130 boxes. So thank you all, we will be starting again for year 2009 and would appreciate your help again.
Lily and Vera,
Avonmouth Road,
Sunderland

I WOULD like to sincerely thank the person who handed in my bus pass and to Stagecoach for sending it out to me so quickly. I am very grateful.
Mrs E Robson
AS A tenant of gentoo and living in Washington, I would like to know why I have to ring Sunderland to get in touch with The Galleries office? What a waste of time.
A Pensioner,
Washington