SIR – Where on earth do they go? We have road works on the Ombersley Road, and indeed in places all over the city.
They cause a lot of waiting, hold ups, frustration and annoyance, but the one thing I would like an answer to is where do all the workers go?
They come and very efficiently put out the signs and the traffic lights and dig the first holes. Quick efficient and professional. And then they disappear!
We might have a man sitting in a van or lorry looking after the lights.
We might see a few men peering down a hole, but often there is no one around for days.
Suddenly they appear, holes are filled in, and they move 30 yards up the road and it starts all over again.
Do we have the same group of workmen on duty all over the city moving from job to job?
Do we have a lack of resources to finish the jobs promptly, or do we have too many jobs going on at once?
I know I speak for many when I say that if possible we would like these jobs started and completed all in one go please, not dragging on for weeks and sometimes months. Anyone got any answers ?
PETER CAFFREY

Bevere

Stop drugging what is normal behaviour
SIR – The dangers associated with psychiatric drugs were tragically highlighted again when a nine-year-old boy, diagnosed with so-called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hanged himself.
It was reported that the boy’s life had been overshadowed by neglect and domestic violence. It was also reported that he was taking drugs prescribed for ADHD, which had recently been increased.
It has become well known that some ADHD drugs are linked to the risk of suicidal thoughts, leading to the inclusion of warnings on drug packaging.
But despite the warnings, the drugs are still being prescribed to children labelled with the unscientific condition.
As well as suicidal thoughts, the list of effects includes, but is not limited to, violent behaviour, aggression, moodiness, psychosis, seizures and depression.
When you then learn that ADHD drugs prescribed in the UK in 2014 cost £67.5 million, it could be said that drugging is good business, but bad medicine.
Unfortunately, drugging boisterous, argumentative and disruptive children labelled with so-called ‘disorders’ has been part of the pharmaceutical business plan for years now, following the redefinition of normal childhood behaviour. It is a dishonest marketing strategy that has reaped tremendous benefits, but at human cost.
Anybody trying to build a business would be proud of such a plan that has been coupled with the commercial enterprise of the psychiatric/pharmaceutical alliance.
Redefine normal, concoct expensive drugs and, when things go horribly wrong, blame the tragedy on something other than the drug. It is a charade which until now has been accepted, but it must be stopped.
It starts with education. There is no question that children can experience problems and upsets in life. They can be very active, lack focus or be inattentive, but to represent these behaviours as being caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain or a neurobiological disease is misleading and dishonest.
There are many reasons why a child may be fidgety or inattentive. Some may have an underlying physical illness or injury. Some may be in need of better nutrition. Therefore, parents should take their child to see a competent medical doctor to get a complete physical examination to find any undiagnosed conditions.
We must not allow the next generation to grow up in a psychiatric chemical haze. Stop psychiatrists from drugging normal. It might even save a life.
BRIAN DANIELS
Citizens Commission on Human Rights (UK)

Council action is helping tenants
SIR – Geraldine Lowman (Letters, June 12) has called for regulation of sub-standard private rented accommodation in Worcester.
Worcester City Council is doing just that. We want to make sure that tenants are safe and that no-one is living in dangerous or poor condition ‘Houses in Multiple Occupation’ (HMO).
To do that we are introducing a new licensing scheme that will ensure landlords of our city’s 1,500 HMOs meet set standards, helping to keep tenants safe. These include measures like making sure HMOs have fire doors, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, as well as ensuring there are the appropriate amounts of bathrooms and kitchens for the number of tenants – all helping to improve conditions in the highest risk homes.
We will be inspecting HMOs regularly to ensure they meet these standards and that they are managed properly by a “fit and proper” landlord.
If an HMO fails to meet the standards – or if a landlord does not obtain a licence – we will take enforcement action, which could lead to prosecution. If a rogue landlord is successfully prosecuted, tenants can also potentially reclaim rent.
There are many good landlords operating in the city, providing good quality HMO accommodation.
They are already registering with us for the scheme. All landlords need to be registered, so if you operate an HMO let us have your details now at www.worcester.gov.uk/hmo
COUNCILLOR LUCY HODGSON
Cabinet member for History and Heritage
Worcester City Council

Tory MPs should pool their 10% wage rises
SIR – So those six grinning Tory MPs featured on the front of your Worcester News are going to take their 10%. As if this isn’t bad enough, why aren’t they also showing us all the extras they are receiving.
Their expenses are not mentioned, such as payment for rent, travel, etc. What about subsidised alcohol, food, etc, which they receive in the House of Commons? An ordinary person gets a 1% increase and this is the entirety.
The MPs still have not learnt from the expenses scandal, or rather they have no respect for their constituents and carry on regardless taking as much as they can get.
Not to mention the pensions they will get when they retire. The Swanpool swimming pool requires £30,000. If these MPs are serious about improving their images, why don’t they give their increases to this pool which has benefited thousands of school children.
HELEN SMART
Worcester

Who will live in them?
SIR – Where just now, are all those people waiting for what must surely be, thousands of houses, being built around Worcester?
JEAN HARRIS
Worcester