SIR – Some years ago I decided I needed to make clear my support for the call to ‘stop the war’. I resolved to join a protest demonstration outside the Guildhall – a decision I did not take lightly.

When I arrived I saw a small undisciplined group and at their centre was an idiot cavorting around in a Tony Blair mask.

I decided, as I didn’t want to be associated with these people, it would be best to sign the petition and go. However, when I went to do this it appeared I was being invited to register my support through the Socialist Worker Party (or something similar). I was sickened that such a deadly important issue was being hijacked by far-left extremists.

I often wondered who was hidden behind the mask. In a recent letter to the Worcester News Councillor Neil Lawrenson, who represents the Greens for the ward of St Stephens and props up the City Council Labour group, proudly told us it was he. I feel that further comment is unnecessary.

Andy Roberts

Worcester

Plants give us vital oxygen

SIR – In the season of Malvern in Bloom,as well as many other cities,towns and villages “in Bloom”, it seems appropriate to reflect on the responsibity landowners, big and small, have to maintain our green spaces, soil and many forms of wildlife by how they use their plots.

It seems that an increasing number of owners prefer to install concrete, rough grit or wood-covered “gardens”.

Do they not realise that green plants provide the oxygen we breathe, food for many useful pollinating insects, absorb rainwater and stop groundwater flooding, renew soil and protect worms (our most precious possession), help lower uncomfortable temperatures and give pleasure and life-enhancing benefits.

Even real gardeners could also consider which plants best serve these purposes. Not all bedding varieties do and exotics are not used by our native insects.

Whichever award Malvern receives for its sudden and instant displays should not excuse the council from also planting more native species, perennials and some with all--year-round interest.

Pat Palmer

Malvern

Time England had anthem

Sir – Reading the proposals about Worcestershire’s own anthem, I am more concerned with the fact that England is the principal country of the UK, yet has no national anthem of its own. Watching the England versus Wales football match a couple of weeks ago, we all heard the Welsh anthem, sung with pride. That was followed by the UK national anthem, which saw the Welsh fans also joining in with, since it is their anthem too. So where is the English national anthem? Is it not beyond time we had one? I propose Land of Hope and Glory.

To this end, I have started a petition proposing this, and I hope your readers will consider it, and sign it (it will appear on Change.org within a week). If our neighbours can demonstrate pride in their own countries...and there’s nothing wrong in that, why can’t we?

Will Richards

Malvern

Mindless big kids at park

Sir – I took my three-year-old grandson to the Splashpad at Gheluvelt Park and was amazed at the number of bigger kids mindlessly running through the toddlers and babies.

There should be signs telling older kids to be aware of the little ones.

Roni Skye

Worcester