SIR - Recent reports of vehicles driver/cyclist conflicts show that many road users would fail a driving test if re-tested after several years driving. How many people have read “The Highway Code” in recent years?
I am sure that I, and many other drivers of advanced years, would fail to answer many questions as the Code is updated from time to time, so it may be sensible to provide an updated copy every time a Driving Licence is renewed!
However, there would presumably be no requirement for people to read The Code, which applies to all road users-drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Recently, my wife was walking the dog along Hallow Road pavement when a cyclist approaching from the rear, rang a bell to warn of his/her presence, expecting pedestrians to move out of the way. Why?? When it is incumbent on cyclists to dismount and walk past, or revert to riding on the road, as The Highway Code intends if there are no cycleways.
Should we all be required to sit or re-sit a practical and/or theoretical test from time to time?
Should drivers be required to re-take the Driving Test after their 70th birthday, as they have to update their medical details then?
TONY HARRIS,
Worcester

Buses provide us with a rotten service
SIR - What a rotten bus service we have in Worcester. The timetable means nothing as you can wait up to 40 minutes for a bus that should be arriving every 12 minutes.
We are told to use public services but you just cannot rely on it. The ‘First’ bus company wants axing, bring back ‘Red Diamond’ they always turned up on time. The drivers were always polite and helpful, so different to so many of the ‘First’ company drivers who seem to get a thrill out of pulling off when you are almost to the back of the bus leaving you having to wait for the next one.
If the ‘First’ bus company can’t provide a reliable service to the public then please, Council, let someone do the job that can run the service property and efficiently.
MIKE AND JANE GREEN
Worcester

Sportsmen used to play for the fun of it
SIR - Sport is all a fiddle nowadays.
Bring back Sir Stanley Matthews. He got paid £5 a game!
GEORGE COWLEY

Worcester

Why are we giving space in out jails?
I FULLy agree with GB Tipper of Leominster for speaking out, but why imprison migrants who are killers, rapists and child abusers. In their own country they face the death penalty, if we lock them up with any lengthy sentence it means we keep them alive and feed them.
I know a lot of people who have done time and some who are still there and all comment it’s a holiday camp in here – recreation room, tv in the cell, two meals a day, clean clothes, admittedly there’s no women and they can’t go for a pint but when they eventually get out – they are reformed. The English should do more years for any crime, migrants deported!
Need I say more.
MR L M PRESLEY

Bransford

Many thanks to the kind hospital staff
SIR - On Tuesday, August 11, my husband was taken to A&E (Worcester Royal Hospital) by ambulance – he had tests and treatment.
We would like to say a huge thank you to all who were involved in Tony’s care.
The ambulance crew, doctors, consultant, were all magnificent – kind in every way. We could not have wished for better help from anyone – anywhere.
Thank you to all of you, from a very grateful patient.
SHIRLEY MASTERMAN
Worcester

Hops in sacks? What are you thinking of?
SIR - The other day in Saturday’s Worcester News, Dave Bradley mentioned how he walks past the Hopmarket and it reminds him of the sacks of hops being unloaded. My comment is they were not in sacks but pockets, so come on Dave, you should know better than to say they were in sacks.
JASPER FARR
Worcester

Many thanks for all the hard work you do
I WOULD like to acknowledge the hard work, time and devotion given by leaders of the mother, baby and toddlers groups in Malvern.
The All Saints Toddler Group at All Saints Church on Wells Road and the Humpty Dumpty group at Christ Church Hall, Avenue Road, are particularly good, and I have found these to be a life-saver.
If you are a mum looking for somewhere different to go and have a cuppa and a chat, there is no better place.
At only a £1 or £1.50 entry fee, these groups are fantastic and have really helped me to escape the four walls and meet other mums in the same situation.
All Saints Toddlers runs on Thursday mornings, 10-11.30am (term time only) and Humpty Dumpty runs on Mondays and Thursdays, 10-11.45am.
For more information contact Vanessa at All Saints on 01684 892275 and Rosemary at Humpty Dumpty on 01684 565708 or email rosemary@humptydumptytoddlers.org.uk.
I want to thank all the hard-working group leaders for generously giving their own time to ensuring these groups operate.
Thank you!
Sue Holloway
Malvern Wells