I ALWAYS find it worrying to read articles written by politicians who have decided to become all idealistic about an immensely important subject ("Green energy future in our declaration of independence" by Nick Clegg, Yorkshire Post, August 22).

His whole article gives the impression that he doesn't really understand what is going to be involved in order to make this country energy secure. He seems to believe that a few wind turbines and a bit of energy saving in our homes will solve all our problems. They definitely will not. He makes several references to getting rid of our "old technologies", obviously referring to coal and nuclear, although he may be also including power generation by gas.

I suggest he should tell the Chinese that all their new coal-fired power stations are using "old technology", and the French, who produce about 80 per cent of their power in nuclear power stations. They announced last year that they are building a new one, to be opened in 2012, just five years from start to finish (in this country it would take twice as long).

I wonder if Mr Clegg has bothered to sit down and do his maths? To replace the power supplied by three of our local power stations – Ferrybridge, Eggborough and Drax, all using the so-called old technology – would require about 2,200 wind turbines, and that would assume that they were rotating most of the time.

As we know in this area only too well, during the winter months we often get intensely cold, still, frosty nights with clear skies, followed by cold, cloudless days with no wind. Where would our power come from during those periods?

Probably from the nuclear power stations across the Channel.

From: Brian Hardy, All Hallowes Drive, Tickhill.

AS a pensioner, I felt nothing but disgust after reading that Nick Clegg was reduced to shopping at Sainsbury's and being "mortgaged up to the gills" as he put it (Yorkshire Post, August 25).

The glib bleating of feather-bedded, tax-funded politicians pretending to know what it's like to suffer financial hardship is hypocrisy of the very worst kind.

Nothing demonstrates more the gigantic gulf that exists between the political class of this country and the hard-pressed public.


Reaching out to help pupils with dyspraxia

From: Mrs Hazel Carr, Victoria Square, Holmfirth, Huddersfield.

may I please say thank you so much for the article by Catherine Scott (Yorkshire Post, August 27) on Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe admitting that he suffers from dyspraxia.

Within hours, I had emails from parents asking for help. Dyspraxia is such a hidden difficulty and even though the article highlighted clumsiness and handwriting, it was the learning/behaviour difficulties which caused low self-esteem and social integration in children which was more of a problem.

As a teaching assistant, and someone who has written a book, I would have loved to have said even more, as we are making such a difference in our school. At least we know our children in our school are safe now and, thanks to your article, I may be able to reach out to many more.

You are only a child for a few years; it is up to us to get it right.


Tories jump in with both feet attacking NHS

From: Charles Rushton, Pasture Close, Strensall, York.

YOUR leader (Yorkshire Post, August 21) should be taken on board by all those politicos of whatever ilk, who never seem to rise above the level of the junior playground. Yah Boo Sucks all round and to hell with the people of Britain.

In the current instance, the Tories have such a lead in most polls that they don't need to resort to such petty tricks as their two latest wheezes, both concerning the NHS. Labour are doing a wonderful job of alienating the electorate all on their own. Let's face it, they are specialists at it. No need to concoct silly stories and false concerns.

The very latest table of missed appointments is so badly distorted that a child of 10 would make a better job of it. Does anyone seriously believe that the huge city of Leeds has only some 15 per cent of missed NHS appointments compared with here in York?

Too obviously the statistical bases are different thus rendering the whole exercise futile, probably deliberately, but our Andrew Lansley jumps in again with both size 12s. David Cameron should get
rid of him before he does serious damage.

As to the pertinent letter on the same page from yet another political hack, one Coun Sandy Fraser from here in York, methinks he waxes a touch too indignant.

Our hospitals at the sharp end, by and large, do a good job but no thanks to top heavy super managers on six-figure salaries, or the Government interference which denies finance to some while smiling on their chosen ones.

From: Norman Elliott, South Cave.

WHILE recognising that the NHS in many instances carries out prompt and effective work, there are still considerable delays in treatment.

An elderly neighbour, battling bravely to be independent (and at less cost to the nation), has, this week been advised that a knee brace would be an advantage.

Guess what? She was told it will be ready in six months – even longer than getting a plumber, electrician or car repair.