SIR – Thank you for printing my letter regarding the useless pedestrian crossing under the railway viaduct in Croft Road.
I have by chance read a report. I won’t go into all the waffle but part of it, from the Worcestershire County Council Highways Sustainable Team, is as follows:
“Whilst we can appreciate the frustration drivers experience with congestion. I am afraid that a signalised pelican or toucan crossing would not be practicable here due to the proximity of other signals and traffic flow. It would affect the operation of the overall traffic system in this part of the city centre.”
There is quite a lot more waffle regarding this crossing and the one in Hylton Road. So as far as all you drivers are concerned. It’s a case from the friendly Worcestershire Sustainable Team of “up yours, mate”. 
Which one from this friendly team will resign when somebody gets killed, may I ask.
When any one of the Lib/Lab-Con Party members next ask for your vote. Tell them “up yours, mate” until they tell this friendly Worcestershire Sustainable Team to fix those crossings.
JC BUTTERFIELD
Worcester


Bombing only causes a rise in extremism
SIR – In response to your editorial about the vote to bomb Syria (December 12). It is wrong to suggest there are only two choices: bombing or ‘wringing our hands’. 
As Caroline Lucas MP said last month, as well as supporting a diplomatic solution, the Government could “suspend British arms sales to the Middle East and commit to a foreign policy that is consistent as well as ethical”. 
At least you acknowledged people’s view that bombing Syria will make Britain more of a target for terrorism and will cost too much in innocent lives. 
Our MP has justified his decision to support the bombing due to apparent assurances that British bombs will spare civilians. However, why should British bombs be any different to American or Russian bombs? Indeed, on December 7, it was reported that anti-Isis strikes launched by a US-led coalition on the village of Al-Khan in Syria left only civilians dead. 
David Hallmark wrote in the Worcester News on December 3: “There is no evidence that bombs stop wars or warriors. There is evidence that bombed zones create opportunities for the rise of extremism.” If only more people accepted this.
NEIL LAURENSON
Worcester Green Party 

Fears over funding for rehabilitation for blind
SIR – Many of your readers may not be aware that local councils provide rehabilitation services for blind and partially sighted people. 
These important services provide advice and equipment to people with sight loss to boost their confidence, and learn key skills to help them live independently. Skills such as using a white cane to get out and about, making a cup of tea without scalding themselves, and cooking safely.
This service is vital and should be available to people at whatever stage they need it. I am very concerned to hear from RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) that funding for these services is being cut by local authorities across England, and that the number of rehabilitation officers is dropping. 
I understand that our county council is looking at their budgets for next year, and I hope that they will protect the funding for rehabilitation support for blind and partially sighted people. Any reassurance from county councillors on this issue would be most welcome.
For more information you can take a look at rnib.org.uk/socialcarecampaign.
VAL HUMPHRIES
Worcester

Chance to get in touch with old shipmates
SIR – This is a big thank you to this newspaper, who, along with other local newspapers across the UK, printed a letter of mine recently, explaining that the best way for those who have served in the Royal Navy to find their old shipmates,was to get in touch with their old Ship’s Association and attend one of the reunions. This would almost certainly lead to reliving the camaraderie they once knew.
Well, thanks to you, the response has been terrific, at the moment I have over 60 Royal Navy Ship’s Association Reunions listed. 
 So if any ex-Royal Navy reader missed the first letter, drop me an email at mike.crowe1@btinternet.com or royalnavyreunions@gmail.com with brief details of your service and who you are looking for and from which ship, and I will send the latest list , along with the latest monthly news sheet full of messages. This goes to over 400 Ship’s Associations and Royal Naval Association Branches. 
 And if you served on one of the 12 Blackwood class frigates, a new association has started for you. Get your name on the list. 
MIKE CROWE
Isle of Wight

Appeal over lost necklace in car park
SIR – My beautiful wife surprised me with a wedding vows renewal at the Malvern Registry office on Friday – 10 years to the day we got married. Sadly she may have dropped her wedding necklace in the car parking area for the bridal party. It was a silver necklace in a small black velvet bag. It’s not worth that much but has great sentimental value. If anyone happened to find it in passing please get in touch with me, Tom, on 07809 895756. I can’t offer much in return but you would make my wife’s day.
TOM COOKE
Kidderminster