Suppliers must be treated fairly
We have all seen the impact that supermarkets have had in our town centres, with smaller shops gradually being pushed out.
Whilst I buy from my local dairyman, farm shop and market traders as much as possible, I still use supermarkets and do acknowledge their convenience.
However, as a supporter of Action Aid's "Who Pays" campaign, I am concerned not only with the impact that supermarkets have on local traders, but their impact in some of the world's poorest countries.
The charity has uncovered cases of women making clothing for Asda and Tesco, earning as little as 5p per hour and working up to 14 hours per day.
It is essential that a watchdog be set up to regulate how supermarkets do business with their suppliers and ensure that producers, wherever they may be, are treated fairly.
For more information, visit www.actionaid.org.uk/whopays
Ann Eastham, Heskin, via email

Southport puts Preston to shame
The city of Preston talks the talk when it tells residents of plans to spend £700m on the Tithebarn facelift. But when?
Travel 15 miles to Southport and you will see a proud town modernising its facilities for the 21st century. If it is not refurbishing the Lord Street Gardens, it is building a state-of-the-art hotel and leisure complex on the Marine lakeside.The hotel will be run by the internationally famous Ramada Group.
There are also plans afoot to develop the Pleasureland complex vacated by Blackpool Pleasure Beach Company.
Visiting Southport in these exciting times is a breath of fresh air.
G Gilbert, via email

Over-reaction to traces of alcohol
Recently, concerns have been raised in some Muslim quarters on the use of alcohol in food flavourings, with soft drinks coming in for criticism, and lately the Muslim Council of Britain identified a certain potato snack manufacturer as using such flavourings.
These concerns are an over-reaction when considering the minute traces of alcohol that would be present. The food or drink would not even have a mild effect.
Similar low levels of alcohol are found naturally in fruits and increase with ripeness. Leavened bread is another food in which alcohol is a by-product of yeast action.
There are a number of alcoholic compounds, not necessarily ethanol, that are used as carrier solvents in food flavourings. They are utilised as an effective way to transfer flavours and at the same time be compatible with food safety.
In an age of market competition and the demand for food primarily for the tastebuds, I find it acceptable for these methods in the food industry.
Muslim priorities should be to emphasise the social deteriment that alcohol and drugs can cause.
Mr N Momoniat, via email

Church should keep its spiritual essence
The future of Preston's St Walburge's Church really does hinge on diversification and adaptation (as I mentioned in your article of May 7) to become a central focal point for the city once more.
A high quality conference venue and meeting hub with exhibition space would be a step towards securing the building's future.
However, I want to make it clear that I am also very keen to ensure the church retains its heart and original mission. That is, it should remain a place of worship, and the spiritual home of the city.
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the North West Development Association
Hospital's uncaring telephone service
I have tried three times to call Royal Preston Hospital for an appointment. After 30 minutes of listening to a voice saying how important I am to them, I reached the head of the queue, only for a voice to tell me to try later. Then I was cut off.
Dimitrios Poularakis, Freckleton, via email

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