SIR – Congratulations are in order to all involved with the new play area on the Diglis playing fields.
The children are thoroughly enjoying it every day and so are the parents who are able to meet up for a chat while their young ones can play safely.
We need more green pleasant spaces and we should also be determined to keep and protect those we already have.
C D LEE
Worcester

Debates over the UK’s membership in the EU
SIR – I read with interest a piece from John Petley writing for the Campaign for an Independent Britain that one reason why some people are uncomfortable with the idea of the UK withdrawing from the EU by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and taking the EEA/EFTA route is because they think that an EU member state might announce a veto in advance thus completely discrediting and nullifying the proposal.
The debates in the German Bundestag at present are apparently pretty soporific.
This excludes the remarkable tirade by Dr. Sarha Wegenknecht, economics spokesman and deputy leader of Die Linke party, that is “The Left”.
Her ideology lies very much to the left of the German SDP; it is profoundly anti-capitalistic and the party’s MEPs are part of the Nordic green left in the European Parliament sitting alongside among others Sinn Fein, Greece’s Syriza and Spain’s Podemos.
There is much criticism of the EU’s handling of the latest Greek bail-out.
As Richard North points out for years Greeks have not been good at paying or collecting taxes.
One of the most vocal opponents of any further bail-outs is the left-of-centre Slovak government.
Dr. Wegenknecht puts forward her perception of how badly her country’s leaders have handled the bail-out.
Followers of the UK’s eurosceptic side note that Frau Merkel wears that same expression as the likes of Hermann von Rompuy or Jean-Claude Juncker when being verbally assaulted by Nigel Farage or Dan Hannan.
 They believe that the so-called “austerity” has metamorphosed into criticism of the whole EU project especially the single currency.
The concept of a eurosceptic party emerging in Germany seems remote but for the arrival of Alternative fur Deutschland.
Greece’s Syriza is now openly supporting Greek withdrawal from the euro and three Guardian columnists - Owen Jones, George Monbiot and Suzanne Moore publicly proclaim their willingness to consider voting No in a referendum.
In the 80s, Europe followed the Social Model under Jacques Delors which Mrs. Thatcher disliked.
Now many on the left feel uncomfortable about today’s EU of lobbyists and multinationals with its willingness to reduce workers’ rights and dilute the Social Chapter.
The redeeming factor and treat for anyone who enjoys seeing EU Grandees like Merkel and Schaube being given a thorough lambasting is the effect Dr. Wegenknecht’s diatribe has had.
WENDY HANDS
Upton-upon-Severn

Drivers behaving badly at the roundabouts
SIR – I write to endorse Paul Hetherington’s (WN 11th August) comments on the problems caused by queue jumping at the Ketch to St Peters Roundabouts.
I don’t know how this selfish driver behaviour can be eradicated but surely there must be a way. These drivers know what they are doing.
Recently I was ‘cut up’ by a lorry when it’s driver attempted to squeeze me off the A4440 after I had used the correct lane to drive across the Ketch bridge towards the Powick Island .
DAVE SKELTON
Worcester

In defence of the English language
SIR – Bravo, Mrs Jenifer Shone for your defence of the English language.
It reminded me of the time when I applied for my bus pass.
I was asked what was my nationality. Proudly I replied English.
Sorry, Mrs Harris, we no longer have a category for English.
JEAN HARRIS
Worcester

Brilliant battle celebrations
SIR – My partner and I were staying at friends at the weekend who live in Evesham, and while there we attended the parade and events celebrating the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Evesham.
What a brilliant time we had!
You could see a lot of effort had been made to make it what it was.
An added bonus was that we had good weather, but I’m sure it would have been just as good had it rained.
There was good food and plenty of drinks on sale and, of course, merchandise to purchase.
All in all, it was very enjoyable.
ANN ARMSTRONG
Cannock

Thanks to the council gardeners for displays
SIR – The gardening team of St Peter’s Church, Bengeworth, send sincere congratulations to Evesham Town Council gardeners and Wychavon District Council for the magnificent floral displays they have created around the town this summer.
They are truly a joy to see.
Well done, and thank you for your hard work.
HARRIET HARDIMAN
Evesham