SIR – I so agree with Councillor Alan Feeney’s letter of Monday, 22nd June, in which he says that Elgar ought to receive greater recognition in this, his city.
We have his statue now, but we do need other attractions, such as a more prominent centre promoting his work and presenting a true, unexaggerated profile of the man and his family.
The Broadheath Birthplace is wonderful, but is out of the way for many tourists visiting the city. The efforts to achieve Councillor Feeney’s vision would be vastly furthered if Worcester actually had some kind of purpose-built concert hall named after Elgar. If it were large enough to accommodate an orchestra it would help.
The Cathedral is beautiful but presents its own acoustic problems, and Huntington Hall is too small for such events. What a shame that the Public Hall in the Cornmarket, where Elgar conducted, should now be a car park after its demolition in the 60s. Enough sports halls and fitness centres, costing millions.
Give us the Elgar Hall where we can play his music and heavy metal fans can listen to theirs!
JANET JARVIX
Worcester


Fundamental change in relationship needed
SIR – We have just had the publication by a group of business leaders and economic analysts of “Change or Go,” a 1,000 page assessment of Britain’s place in the EU: This report challenges the many myths David Cameron and his allies are using to try to frighten the British people into staying in the EU.
We should all welcome this list of demands for changes that Cameron ought to make, but clearly is not making, in his negotiation with the EU. The report concludes that unless the Prime Minister can achieve a fundamental change in Britain’s relationship with Brussels, the country’s households and businesses will be better off if the UK opts to leave the EU.
In light of this report there are two important things that need to be highlighted. Firstly the startling level of the UK’s contribution to the overall EU budget and secondly the supremacy of EU law over UK law. These are two fundamental principles that must change, unfortunately however it is clear Cameron intends to do nothing about these issues.
The conclusion is that the EU is bad for Britain. We are better off out. This report gives us 1,000 pages of reasons why. I only wish Cameron were honest enough to tell the British people the truth about the damage the EU does to every family and every business in the UK.
M YOUNG
Worcester

Another innocent racecourse victim
SIR – Only four days following my previous letter highlighting the then unreported death of a horse at Ladies’ Day on June 15, yet another innocent victim of entertainment was cruelly killed at Worcester Racecourse on June 21.
Captain Knock was destroyed after being whipped towards the final fence and upon landing shattered a bone in his leg. He was already fading from the leaders. This heartless act brings the total number of horses killed at this track to 42 since 2007.
Attendees to the questionably named ‘Fun Day’ might reflect on their choice to attend an event like this with their children at which there is a very real risk of exposing them to a backdrop of frightening cruelty . I feel sure that most people would concur that horses are gentle animals, loved by adults and children alike; who once aware of these facts would not wish to take a chance on the traumatising experience of witnessing the unnecessary death of one of these wonderful creatures.
This cruelty does not need to, and should not continue to be supported. Racing is something sold as entertainment, but the outcome of these deaths can simply never justify it. The good people of Worcester deserve to know the truth, and many are unaware of these figures hushed up by those who directly benefit from it.
The current racetrack land could easily offer alternative business use (when not flooded) by hosting a range of other events including real ‘Fun Days’ without the racing. This would offer the local economy equivalent or better income if managed correctly by a new professional group.
There is another ‘Fun Day’ planned for later this year at Worcester Racecourse. The only way for families to be sure they won’t see or support the death of a horse would be to stay away.
For more information regarding the number of horses killed at Worcester and other tracks please see http://www.horsedeathwatch.com/
M P A CROUCH
St Peter’s, Worcester


Frustration rising at extent of roadworks
SIR – I wish to make a further comment about the numerous roadworks affecting the east side of the city. On Tuesday I experienced a delay of over an hour exiting the visitors car park at the Worcester Royal Hospital as a result of the roadworks along Newtown Road.
I experienced further delays along the Warndon Villages.
No one seems to be taking responsibility for the roadworks affecting the major roads into the city.
People are getting very frustrated with the daily delays and I am sure this frustration will lead to a major incident soon.
JAKE LEWIS
Worcester

Where’s the labour?
SIR – If we leave the EU where will growers get labour from to pick crops?
PAUL CHANDLER
Worcester