Joey Barton's got off lightly
If people like footballer Joey Barton are given a second chance, it shouldn't be to go back to a luxury celebrity lifestyle, not when some victims of violence end up disabled and near destitute, unable to earn £40 per week, let alone £40,000.
The man has cost the taxpayer a small fortune - from police time to prison time - and with his riches, this has got to be bang out of order.
When offenders have the money to pay for their 'mistakes' it shouldn't cost the taxpayer a single penny.
Isn't the cost of living high enough? With the recent gas bill hikes, our elderly are at risk of freezing to death - and indeed living in fear of violence.

Name and address supplied

Listen to experts on speed camera issue
In his recent letter to the LEP Mr Connell accuses me of not countenancing any criticism of speed cameras. This assumption is not his only error.
I disagree with speed cameras being made highly visible. The widespread publication of their location, including in the LEP, is studied by avid speeders and, I believe, undermines their effectiveness.
Dashboard location monitors, which warn drivers when they are approaching a speed camera, should be made illegal, for obvious safety reasons. Devices which alert the drivers they are approaching a speed limit sign are much better.
He seems to think that the millions of careful motorists who constantly drive within the speed limits can only do so by keeping their eyes glued to their speedometers.
Those taking a driving test have to keep within the legal limits. They must also be fully aware of all the likely hazards in the vicinity. The same logic applies to the more onerous advanced driver's test.
I agree with Mr Connell that we should take note of the experts. However, in doing so, we must be wary of believing the few experts who agree with our opinion.
Better to trust the vast majority of experts who, on road safety grounds, support speed cameras.

Peter Ward, Cottam, via email

Happy memories of life at St Joseph's
I write with reference to your Looking Back photograph of June 19. You requested more info about the picture of St Joseph's School pupil line up.
It was sent in originally by Anthony Melling from New Zealand, who we knew in our school days as Gilbert Melling. It was taken on October 16, 1952 and features Standard 8 final year pupils at the boy's school in Rigby Street, Preston.
Mr Melling is on the back row, sixth from the right, and standing on the left is our teacher Mr "Jock" Gildert. To this day I can still name the full line up.
Of course, they were the immediate post war years and rationing was very much the order of the day.
At that time, Preston North End were fielding what most people said was the greatest side in the history of the club. The peerless Sir Tom Finney was in his absolute prime, wonderfully supported by Cunningham, Docherty etc etc.
Frankie Laine, Guy Mitchell, and Johnnie Ray were storming up the hit parade, Elvis had not yet arrived. Happy days those on Rigby Street!
Incidentally, a class reunion is held annually. This year it was at the Sun Hotel in Friargate, with one of the "lads" travelling over from his home in South Africa.
Considering the photo was taken 56 years ago, and quite a few have passed on, the turnout was excellent.

Mr G T Hartley, Severn Drive, Walton-le-Dale

Poppy Appeal needs volunteers' help
Many thanks for publishing my letter with regard to the success of our 2007 Poppy Appeal. Unfortunately my telephone number was incorrectly quoted.
It should have read 01772 745429.
If anyone would like to help with the 2008 Poppy Appeal or would like to make a donation please contact me on this number.

Harry Benson, BEM, Poppy Appeal organiser, The Royal British Legion (Middleforth)

No dream ending for parents or kids
We are so sad to hear of the closure of "Dreams Come True" on Longridge Road in Preston, due to lack of funding.
This has been a wonderful place for many children to go and spend many happy hours in lots of ways.
Manager MrWalsh and his team have worked so hard over the past three years and brought much pleasure to the community. As parents, we knew where our kids were and that they were in good hands.
Well done to Danny and the team, and good luck for the future.
Grateful parents

(name and address supplied)

Signs aren't good for PNE campaign
At the time of writing, Preston North End have just made their second signing of the close season.
With only a week to go, is that it?
If so I am not too confident. Alan Irvine and his squad did a terrific job in getting out of trouble last season but most fans must have been thinking that several signings were needed for the next campaign.
I just hope I am proved wrong.

J Topping, via email

Smelly station not worth keeping
In all the years I used to park in the eerie, smelly confines of Preston Bus Station car park, it never occurred to me that it was an architectural gem, apparently so beloved of your readers.
To me it was just an ugly block of concrete - and I'm not surprised the developers of Tithebarn want to get rid of it.
The only thing I can't understand is why its replacement is going to be even further away from the railway station. That doesn't seem like joined-up thinking to me.
In principle, however, I don't think you can make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Accordingly, let the bulldozers do their work.

Realist, via email

No smoke without fire for 'jobsworths'
I understand your recent correspondent's anger that a painter and decorator could receive an on-the-spot fine for smoking in his van.
But I think their anger should be directed at those who drafted the law against smoking in public places, not at the council "jobsworths" who issued the fine.
As I understand it, they were right to class his van as a place of work. Don't shoot the messenger.

Name and address supplied

Getting the needle
Having just read that my gas bill is going to go up by 35%, I have started knitting for winter.
Have you seen the price of wool!

Name and address supplied

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