SIR - Regarding John Philpott’s article on August 8, we all know the phrase ‘actions speak louder than words’, and in the case of the canal, we need more people to actively engage in ensuring that its positive attributes are maintained.
We can speculate and analyse whilst sitting on our sofas, and surrender to being paralysed by fear, or we can choose to make the most of our amazing canal. This could be an individual effort, but many positives have come from members of the community working together rather than arguing over minor details and scare-mongering.
In the past year, Worcester Canal Group (WCG) have painted murals with the help of volunteers from St Barnabas School and St Paul’s Hostel, they’ve engraved and installed benches, and community-events and festivals have been organised.
The monthly litter pick by WCG members is also an example of the perhaps unknown work that goes on. This, however, is not a secret to be kept, and everyone can get involved.
Volunteers spare as much or as little time as they can to help the canal and its towpath reach its potential, and multiple benefits come of the work they do. Not only is the canal made more aesthetically pleasing, but it is a way of saying ‘this is our space, for the whole community, and we will not be afraid to use it and to make it a public asset’.
We do not deem the canal to be a ‘no-go’ area, or a ‘blackspot’ (quite the opposite). As long as everyone is prepared to do their bit to ensure it is kept tidy, pleasing to the eye, and well-used, it never will be a place that ought to be avoided.
So let’s not bicker or insult, but take part in moving forward and ensuring we can benefit from what the canal has to offer.
JANE MOORHOUSE

Worcester

EU’s desperate battle to remain credible
Sir - In yet another interesting piece by John Petley of Campaign for Independent Britain he reveals that Brussels has spent over half a billion pounds on propaganda.
It is quite clear that the EU is engaged in a desperate no-holds barred battle to shore up its failing credibility.
Unfortunately, much of this badly written clap-trap is designed to poison our children’s minds.
He talks as well of the ever closer Russian-EU Ukraine war.
There are now 75 UK soldiers to help to train the Ukraine army. That is how the US started in Vietnam with thousands of US soldiers killed.
It gives the lie to EU claims to have kept the peace in Europe.
It is nice to see europhile BBC remaking Tolstoy’s War and Peace showing that great French defeat by the Russians leading to the downfall of Napoleon.
It’s a pity that Juncker the spiritual heir to Napper may not suffer a similar fate.
There is always hope.
Wendy Hands
Upton-upon-Severn

Caring farmers?
No, I don’t think so
Sir - As if the farmers’ continuous persecution of our badgers isn’t bad enough we now see they are doing the mindless “Milk bucket challenge “ ( Worcester News, August 18).
The poor cows that we see the farmers crying over everyday on the TV will have had to produce a calf each year so that some humans can drink their milk.
Their calves will have been taken from them more or less at birth. The mothers call for their babies for many days. All this suffering for Young Farmers to think its funny to pour that milk over their heads! Caring farmers? I don’t think so.
Max Burgess
Malvern

We can help manage diabetes in pregnancy
Sir - Diabetes UK is hoping to hear from people who are interested in talking about their experiences of being pregnant and having gestational diabetes, Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
Coping with diabetes when you are pregnant can be really difficult – it requires a lot of work and dedication. Most women with diabetes have a healthy baby, but diabetes does give you a higher risk of some complications so it’s important to prepare and get the care you need to reduce the risk to your own and your baby’s health.
That’s why we want to hear your stories so that we can help other women with diabetes understand the importance of planning and support when it comes to pregnancy.
To find out more about managing diabetes during pregnancy, visit diabetes.org.uk/pregnancy or call our Careline on 0345 123 2399.
Peter Shorrick
Diabetes UK

Here’s my solution to  roundabout traffic
SIR - Recent correspondents have queried the practicality of the scheme which apparently does away with the roundabout by the cathedral.
It seems to me that Friar Street will no longer be accessible for drivers approaching the city from Bath Road or London Road without driving along Deansway; round the one-way system via North Parade; Dolday; back along Deansway to turn left into Friar Street off College Street.
Might a solution be to reverse the one-way operation in Union Street and Friar Street, so that access might be gained via City Walls Road.
But, oh dear, that would mean road maps of Worcester and Satnav programmes have to be updated!
TONY HARRIS
Worcester