Dear Sir,

I am disabled and use a wheelchair in Tesco’s and I would like to thank all their staff who are always very helpful when I need assistance with my shopping.

On Saturday I was even helped by a customer who took my shopping to my car. There is still kindness around.

T. Verney

Skirlaw Road

Re article on Town Council not attending Public Meeting"

It is worth noting the Leader of the Labour Group on the Town Council sits on the elected committee of Great Aycliffe Residents Association. I have no problem with Bob Fleming sitting on this committee as a Town Council representative, but it does not take a lot to work out that in some situations a conflict of interest is going to arise.

It also may be worthwhile explaining the background on how the Town Council decided not to attend. At the last Town Council meeting I nominated Councillor Terry Hogan (Independent) to sit on the panel to discuss vandalism etc at the Public Meeting. This nomination was put forward and seconded and was fully endorsed and supported by the majority of Independent Councillors present, so at that point someone was attending. At someone’s insistence this went to a vote and the result was that several Councillors decided no one should represent the Council. In essence the Labour Group knocked it back rather than have an Independent Councillor represent them!

It’s fair to say that the people are not fully represented in a lot of areas, particularly where there is no contribution from an elected Independent Councillor. New Labour decides who sits on what committee and ensures their total domination in running what happens in the town.

Both, by not taking up the invitation from the Great Aycliffe Residents and the aforementioned carve up only adds fuel to the fire and serves to highlight a lack of openness and transparency on their part.

I am not surprised they declined the invitation, but it would be very remiss to think that the whole Town Council supported their refusal to attend.

Counc. Bill Blenkinsopp

(Independent)

The recent success of an operation confiscating alcohol on school leavers night, was led by Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Members of the public have expressed concerns that parents are purchasing alcohol for their children to take onto the streets. Any parent found purchasing alcohol for their children, may be prosecuted.

Section 149 Section 3 of Licensing Act 2003, "A person commits an offence if he/she buys or attempts to buy alcohol on behalf of an individual aged under 18," One adult has recently been issued with a Fixed Penalty Ticket for such an offence. Next PACT Meeting: Tuesday 14th July 2009 Burnhill Methodist Church, 7.00p.m.

PCSO 6859 Mike WELCH

0345 60 60 365

Dear Sir,

I regularly use the Leisure Centre toilets and I have never had to join a queue for the toilet. I simply stand at the turnstile until the person behind the counter sees me and lets me through.

At first I found that embarrassing as that is all I visit the Centre for, but not to have a town public toilet is more embarrassing when visitors come to this town.

But I suppose it must be even more embarrassing for those people in public office who keep ignoring our pleas for public toilets!

Amazed

Whinlatter Place.

If you go down to North Lodge Park in Darlington on Sunday 5th July, you’re in for a big surprise, for that’s the day, Macmillan are holding a Teddy Bear’s Picnic!!

There’s fun and games and Teddy Bear Trail’s with lots to see and do! So come along at 2pm with a picnic and your favourite bear. It’s £2.50

per child pre register or £3 on the day including free face painting, crayons and colouring book, puzzles, picnic mat and treats!! For more information or to register contact Michelle Thompson 07877 673030/01325 380033 or email thompson.m2@sky.com.

A new group "Innovations" are to start a Coffee Morning at Woodham Village Community Centre from Thursday 9th July, from 10-30am to 12 noon.

Tea coffee and home made cakes and biscuits will be on sale, all proceeds to be donated to a local charity.

After the recent PACT meeting held on Tuesday 30th June 2009, the following PACT priorities have been agreed for the GREENFIELD/MIDDRIDGE WARD

ESKDALE PLACE – Street Drinking, and vehicle related nuisance

BYERLY PARK SCHOOL – Problems in relation to parent parking.

The above priorities will be looked at by the neighbourhood policing team, and we will report back to you at the next meeting.

May I take this opportunity to thank all the residents who regularly attend these successful meetings.

The next meeting for this ward will be held on WED. 5th AUGUST 2009 at AYCLIFFE EVANGELICAL CHURCH, 7.00pm.

PCSO 6859 Mike WELCH

0345 60 60 365

Dear Sir,

The conduct of many elected MP’s is disgusting to say the least regarding the fraudulent way many have obtained monies they should never have received.

And what about the crooks in the House of Lords who are feathering their nests one way or another at the public’s expense ?

These are the people who set living standards for the sick, disabled and pensioners yet they make sure they do not have to worry about what bills they can pay or can’t pay.

We have people working ungodly hours just to keep a roof over their heads, feed themselves and their families. Why should any investigation into these crimes be "In House"

Why are they not being investigated by the fraud squad as any other person in this country would be ?

Without doubt these transgressors have knowingly taken advantage of a situation that should never have existed. Why cannot a suitable building with private rooms for each MP be found or built? It could include a common room, dining area etc and this would eliminate the need for personal expenses.

It smells like another case of the rich protecting the rich as is the case with bankers who have caused so much havoc, heartache and misery for the masses.

They acted in a criminal manner causing businesses to collapse, putting people out of work and their homes. Why were they not stripped of their assets and thrown in jail?

Thousands of people have been affected by their actions yet they walk away with a pat on the back and thousands of pounds in their accounts as pensions or bonuses.

Totally Disgusted Native Brit

George Twissell

26 Bakewell Place

After recently completing another successful production, local youth theatre group "The Tearaways" are about to start rehearsals on their next production "Grease" which will be staged in October this year. A spokesperson said "We are on the lookout for young people in Newton Aycliffe aged between 11 and 19 years, who can sing, dance or act, particularly young men, budding John Travolta’s, who would like to be apart of the Grease production". Any young stars, male or female, interested should ring (01388) 774838 or 0774 7826324

The Newton Aycliffe 3M race (21st June) saw the highest number of entrants in recent times. The participants were overwhelmed by the new found enthusiasm for running! However, a superbly organised event meant that many people obtained a PB, despite the blazing heat.

The 3K Fun Run was a popular event with 350 entrants, aged between 4 and 54yrs old. Two NAAC members performed exceptionally well on the day, with William Crossen (14yrs) taking first position in 11 mins and 26 secs. In previous years having come 3rd then 2nd he was delighted to finally win this family event. Henry Johnson(11 yrs) stormed around the 2 mile route and was 9th overall and 1st under 13 year old to cross the line.

Daniel Inglis (16 yrs old) made his debut 10K at the 3M Race held on Father’s day last weekend. He completed the race in an amazing 41 min and 10 sec. James Askew (18 yrs ) a seasoned 10K runner, blasted around the course in 35 mins and 50 sec. Both boys were delighted with their performance and thanked the coaches for all their hard work over the athletics season.