My heart goes out to sacked BAE workers

THE news for the workers at the British Aerospace plant at Brough is devastating both for them and the traders in the area who rely on the trade that those workers bring to them (Yorkshire Post, September 29).

It is quite natural that both workers and unions are very angry and they will, quite understably, point the finger of blame at the Government. The fact is that if you can’t sell the product you are making there is little point in producing it.

This Government, along with many other potential customers, are suffering severe financial restraints and have no other option. Jobs suitable for the skills, acquired through many years of aircraft production, are few and far between and my heart goes out to both the workers and their families during this traumatic time.

Is this the time for art?

From: Bob Crowther, High Street, Crigglestone, Wakefield.

REGARDING the latest statement by Sheffield Council that they plan to erect a £4m work of art alongside Meadowhall, I find it both inconsiderate and unethical.

Just over 40 miles away, hundreds of our most skilful workforce are to lose their employment at Brough Aerospace and I can just imagine their feelings upon reading about the Sheffield project.

How can people justify such outlays when the country and its population are at breaking point with trillions of debt? It is about time that such people and their committees got their priorities right.

Balls tests credibility

From: Bob Watson, Springfield Road, Baildon.

YOUR Editorial (Yorkshire Post, September 27) hit the nail on the head as far as the credibility of Labour leader Ed Miliband is concerned.

As long as he retains Ed Balls as Shadow Chancellor, then the image of his party, as far as the economy is concerned, will continually be looked upon with disdain.

That Ed Balls presided with the previous discredited Labour Government over this country’s disastrous fall into massive debt, and without seeing enough benefits from the massive spending spree, is beyond question.

Until this man is replaced, then the reek of incompetence will always linger in the background.

From: Alan Carcas, Cornmill Lane, Liversedge.

THE latest hypocritical cop-out from the Labour Party about everything seems to be “we got it wrong!”

I’ve lived through every minute, every day, every week, every month, every long year, of every Labour government since 1945.

Will somebody please remind me – when did Labour ever get it right?

Days in the classroom

From: Mrs Betty Marsden, North Somercotes, Louth, Lincolnshire.

I WAS pleased to read David Quarrie’s letter (Yorkshire Post, September 9) in which he stated how much he had enjoyed two-and-a-half years as a volunteer teaching assistant, following his work in agriculture.

Many years ago I was a teacher, in Yorkshire, when standards were high and classes were large. I taught 52 pupils in the scholarship class and enjoyed a success rate of 90 per cent plus.

All my pupils were literate, numerate and respectful. Teaching assistants were not employed then and the teacher was in sole charge. I have written before how times have changed. I am pleased, as always, when I hear, or see, the progress of my former pupils.

Now retired, I was self-employed for a few years following teaching, then before retirement, a civil servant. I have enjoyed all my work and the variety and I have happy memories.

Praise for soldier’s win

From: Iain Morris, Caroline Street, Saltaire, Shipley.

I ONCE heard a young soldier in reply to being asked about roadside bombs say that we don’t think about those because if we did, we would not be able to do our job. Isn’t that fantastic?

Yet, time and time again we hear of young soldiers who have suffered great trauma and life-changing injuries being abandoned when returning home, 27-year-old Aron Shelton of Bridlington being the latest (Yorkshire Post, September 23).

How many MPs in the comfort of Westminster, or civil servants in the Department of Work and Pensions, would be prepared to go through what he has experienced for their country?

I am glad he has won his latest battle; it is the turn of his country to do something for him.

Commanding presence

From: Canon Michael Storey, Healey Wood Road, Brighouse.

HAVING been the vicar of the parish to which Mrs Elizabeth M. Jones referred in her letter (Yorkshire Post, September 24), and a good friend of hers, I am very pleased to endorse all which she has suggested.

The “Rules of Civilization”, which she proposes, will always be the basis of civilization, I’m sure. There was a day when people went to church in large numbers and they would see the actual Ten Commandents in a prominent place on the church wall. So let’s follow Elizabeth’s suggestion and put the “Rules for Civilization” in the prominent places which she suggests.