Nightmare of the 'able' disabled
To the 'Grateful Pensioner' who wrote about the alleged misuse use of blue badges for the disabled, I would like to say that not all those who have been legitimately issued with these, have lost the use of their legs.
There are many forms of disability – does your correspondent not stop to think that the disabled who walk through town for two hours may do so because it takes them that length of time to carry out a task others may do in half an hour or less?
The same applies in stores. An hour is a long time to walk around any store when one is able-bodied, but for the less able it is a nightmare and only done when absolutely necessary.
Furthermore, any passenger can ask for speedy boarding at an airport when there is good reason, for example the little tot who, on my last flight, had chickenpox.
But to benefit from priority boarding because one is disabled means the indignity of being hoisted on to the plane on the back of a specially adapted lorry.
Believe me, we would gladly give up these 'privileges' if we , too, could dash around our hotels and resorts.

Erika Baron, via email

Noise is sometimes suitable in libraries
In answer to the 'Irritated Longton Library User', who complained about the noise levels there, I am retired and have also become a regular user of the library.
With my four-year-old grandson I regularly participate in the excellent activities for children such 'Bounce and Rhyme'. These activities usually entail librarians using their various talents to engage the children with stories, as well as creative arts and crafts.
It is satisfying to see and hear the children at these sessions, especially when I remember the 'silence is golden' policy of my childhood.
I have also attended various awareness sessions at Longton Library. 'Let's Make Noise' was an activity to help raise awareness of people experiencing sensory impairments. It was a pleasure to listen to the music and songs of the librarian involved and the session only lasted 40 minutes.
The library was open for 10 hours on the day in question. Could 'Irritated' not have used the library at a different time? Alternatively, had they stayed to find out what the event was about or to listen he or she may have enjoyed it too.
Well Satisfied Library User (full name and address supplied).
Unproven therapy is soaking up millions
There was something of the Emperor's new clothes about the claim at a recent conference that the benefits of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy are a myth and we may be wasting millions of pounds.
Many researchers will wonder why it took so long to be exposed for what it is.
ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) sufferers will have a special interest because there are some remarkably similar common bad scientific practices associated with it.
Many people so-defined do not really have 'depression'. They may be fed up with unemployment, their standard of living or social isolation and fractured relationships that a long-term disabling illness, such as ME may bring.
But this is not at all the same as that which depressed people experience for no such apparent reasons and should not be treated the same.
By continuing their unwarranted assumption that CBT is successful, therapists remain employed and avoid having to admit they do not understand the physical cause of an illness.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy certainly isn't the panacea the Government has been led to believe it is but it is a sponge for precious research funds which could be better utilised.

Dr John H Greensmith, via email

Costly brush with a council zealot
Although a non-smoker I was horrified to hear of the local council, not here thank goodness, which issued a fine against a painter and decorator for smoking in his van, defining his vehicle as a place of work. Was he pasting wallpaper in the back of it?
I am not surprised he is appealing. How ridiculous can these council zealots get?

Name and address supplied.

A big thanks to my two kind plasterers
There has been a lot said and written about the Community Gateway Association but I have to give credit where it is due.
Herbert T Forrest, the building company it employs to do its repairs, sent round two plasterers, Darren and Mick, who came to replaster my kitchen.
I just want to say a big thank you to them and their boss Neil, who gave me amazing consideration because I am not well and the job took twice as long because of it.
They were here on time every morning and I was able to trust them whenever I had to go out.

Name and address supplied

Not expenses, more like a state swindle
The House of Commons, in its rejection of expenses reform on any meaningful scale, has scored an own goal. I think it has won on penalties.
The taxpayer is already too generous in providing MPs with a second home in the capital to use at their leisure, but to expect us to furnish it as well in an opulent manner, is tantamount to a misappropriation of funds and should be dealt with as such.
There should be a separate committee to deal with these funds and if they are found to be used other than for the intended purpose, should be withdrawn forthwith.

Kenneth Baines, Sycamore Drive, Penwortham

Unidentified Far eastern Objects
The Evening Post has been full of reported UFO sightings in recent days.
A couple of weeks ago there was a news item in The Times that a Chinese company has developed a mini flying saucer that can hover in the air and be remotely controlled.
It is brown/orange in colour and four feet in diameter.
It is intended for surveys and emergency lighting. I reckon they've sent a fleet of them over here to do some market research on how well all those 'Made in China' products are doing.

Neil Inkley, Knot Lane, Walton-le-Dale

GET IN TOUCH
I was recently at a conference in Liverpool and met a lady and her husband from from Slovenia.
Her name is Neta Tomse, and she lived in Preston in the 1960s, with a Preston family named Rowe. Neta was returning home the next day and asked me if I would try and make contact with the family's daughter to whom she was close.
She was Jane Rowe and her father may have been a journalist. They lived, she recalls, in Ashwood Road.
If anyone kinows of Jane they can contact me on 0151-733-0673 or alternatively email me at terrykavanagh999@hotmail.com

Terry Kavanagh, Liverpool,via email.

To see your letters, texts and emails published here and in the paper:

• WRITE TO: Reader's Letters, Lancashire Evening Post, Oliver's Place, Fulwood, PR2 9ZA


• EMAIL: lepforum@lep.co.uk


• TEXT: LEPSHOUT (space) and your comments (up to 160 characters max.) to 84070


• FAX: 01772 880173

All letters must include the author's name and address, although use of part of the address and noms de plume will be allowed. Include a daytime telephone number if possible.
TEXTS costs 25p plus normal network rates. If you do not want to receive information on any other products or services, text the word EXIT at the end of your text