I HAVE a son at Gillas Lane Primary school and a daughter due to start the nursery unit in September next year. It absolutely breaks my heart to think that this beautiful small school may close.

The school is the heartbeat of our local community and without it I feel it will have a huge impact on local people.

The school keeps community spirit alive and often promotes community adhesion through a number of public events.

Surplus spaces are a problem. I understand that something needs to be done, but surely taking Gillas Lane away should be an absolute last resort. Reducing the number of pupil admissions into the school isn't ideal but it is possible and achievable.

My children's education is very important to me and Gillas Lane provides them with a secure learning environment which achieves great results each year.

I feel let down by the local council. It seems to be looking at pound signs rather than the interests of the children. Let's just hope that the Government come to their senses.
Save Gillas Lane Primary School!
JD Johnson,
Coptleigh,
Houghton

Refunds sent out
WITH reference to the letter published on October 30 about a refund for tickets for the Girls Aloud concert at Beamish Hall this summer, I feel it is very important to point out that the money for these tickets has been refunded to the person in question and if she has not received her cheque, she needs to get in touch with Hope 4 Kidz as soon as possible.
This concert was due to be a major fund-raising event for this children's charity and nobody was more devestated than us when the bad weather meant it had to be cancelled.
There were many thousands of people who needed to have their money refunded and we have asked for people to bear with us while we have gone through this process which unfortunately has been extremely time-consuming.
I would like to reassure the general public that everyone who bought tickets for the show has had their money refunded and if anyone has a problem then please contact the charity directly.
Viv Watts,
Director,
Hope 4 Kidz

Traditions gone
ANYONE like baked potatoes in an open fire? We used to love them in our little back lane community, at the Wheatsheaf – the back lane, off Wreath Quay Road (back of North Bridge Street). This was the scene of our yearly ritual bonfire.
No problems, a few fireworks – no-one ever got hurt. A good night.
Gradually the council decided to waste money sending out the fire service to put out these harmless nothing fires, only for us to restart them again, 1940/50s. No morons causing trouble, just a good night – watch the fire go out before bed and tidy up next day.
Now, 2008 these scenes must be organised and money-making for someone. Community fires are illegal, policed and fire-watched.
Traditions are gone. So many traditions gone! So someone can make money. Pickpockets and thieves are happy. One fire for a community, you must pay to see the organised firework display. HG Wells would love these times – soon the council and the MPs will make his predictions reality ... but that's life, 2008 and onwards ...
JA Stott,
Wear View,
Hunwick

Stranded villagers
I FEEL I must put pen to paper on behalf of Rickleton residents. After October 26 we have no buses to Sunderland, the X8, 73, 74 and 77 have all been taken off through our village. On October 11, the Galleries new bus station was opened. When I talked to some of the bosses about the buses I was told to get a bus to the Galleries and change there for Sunderland. I asked what would happen if anyone had to be at hospital early morning for an operation. The answer I got was change at The Galleries or take a taxi or walk it.
The big boss came to the North East from Nottingham. I know about their buses. So come on top dog, get off your bottom. Go to some stranded villages to find out what it is like to only have buses to The Galleries.
Rickleton Resident

Hospital staff cared
IN recent years I have been a patient in a number of hospitals, namely, St Richard's in Chichester, Bupa in Washington, Freeman in Newcastle and the Royal in Sunderland and I would like to thank all staff for the wonderful treatment I received. Ancillary staff, nurses, doctors, surgeons, they were all really caring and very considerate.
I must also add that not once was I asked to produce evidence of insurance cover, or asked for any means of payment. It was entirely free, even the major surgery which I had done.
The reason I say this is because I have been watching the U.S. Presidential debate and often they talk about health insurance matters and highlight a lot of people who cannot afford cover. I know which system I prefer.
I'm sure I read somewhere that 100 hospitals have been built in the UK and more new ones are still being built. That must surely be good news in these trying times.
RT,
Hahnemann Court,
Sunderland