I READ with some interest the latest innovation introduced by the library service enabling users who have access to the Internet to place orders for items of their choice and to renew books and other items they have on loan.

Mention was made also of the numerous subscription websites freely available on Sunderland Public Libraries extensive on-line suite and just how easy it is to join you local library by popping into your local branch.

It saddens me therefore that a further valuable service provided by the library service was not mentioned. Namely, Books on Wheels, delivered by volunteers, this provides books and audio items for the many in the community who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to get to a library themselves.

I would hope that publication of this letter will give this worthy service the publicity it deserves. It takes only a telephone call to your local library.
WL Young,
Mount Grove,
Sunderland

Wonderful work
I READ with interest the continuing saga of the Vaux site which has been a blight on our city for so many years.

It amazed me to read that so many potential investors are interested in this site and our city. I don't think there's one resident of Sunderland who wouldn't be overjoyed to see some development there at last.

I have also been reading with interest the plight of Donna Claire House and couldn't help thinking what a magnificent gesture it would be if any of these investors could find it in their hearts to offer them sponsorship so that the wonderful work that has been going on there quietly over the past 25 years could continue and so fulfil not just the city's need but, indeed, a very human need.
A Concerned Wellwisher,
Nookside

We were doing well
PRIOR to the global downturn the UK economy was doing very well. The jobless figure, a key measure of how the economy was weathering global problems since 1997, had dropped to 1.61million, from 3million, a massive 1.39 million people had found work.

There were also 30million jobs in the economy (a record). Inflation at 2.5% was the lowest in thirty years, trailing way below the Tory peak figure of 24%. Interest rates were down to 5.5% from the Tory 15.9% and there had been ten consecutive years of economic growth in the economy, culminating into a 3% growth in 1997.

But the Government did not rest on its laurels, stamp duty on properties costing less then £175,000, £50,00 above the Tory figure of £125,000 were axed.

While these events unfurled David Cameron remained in hibernation in an attempt to inoculate himself from the dangers of the greatest crisis in capitalism since the 1929 Wall Street crash.

We now have the lowest waiting times ever in the NHS and a 36% drop in MRSA infections, plus free prescriptions for patients with long term conditions, from next year.
Fred Brady,
Hall Farm,
Sunderland

Scooters on rails
WELL done everyone who wrote in about the article Linda Colling has done. I agree with everyone, especially the letter from N Harding of Fulwell.

Nothing is being done for people with disabilities in this area. I have had several letters in the Echo in the past trying to highlight problems about disability issues.

I have done some research about mobility scooters and found that other operators allow mobility scooters on to their transport and help the disabled.

Sheffield Supertrams allow all mobility scooters/wheelchairs on. Sometimes they allow the heavier types on but it's up to the drivers and conductors discretion to let these types on. This is classed as a light train

Metro link Tram Manchester – light train. Nottingham Transit – light train. London Underground, Mersey Rail, Virgin, C2C Rail, Scots Rail and Northern Rail all allow the folded-up type mobility scooters as space is limited for them.

These transporters allow them on to their system but Nexus for some reason is not allowing them on. Some of the operators which I got in contact with do have a problem with the gap but they overcome this.
Mersey Rail have a foldable ramp and help buttons for disabled people.

Nexus have told me that they will not put a portable ramp on their system because it's classed as a light train. Well if Nexus don't provide suitable access for entry on to the system they have till 2020 and if they do not comply in that year they will be breaking the Transport Disability Discrimination Act.
Name and Address Supplied