SIR – On behalf of the Worcester City Council and the residents of the City, I would like to recognise the recent grant by Sport England of the maximum permissible award in the sum of £2 million.
The building of the new pool and the complete refurbishment of the Perdiswell Leisure centre is the largest capital project undertaken by the City in recent times, and this grant will make a major contribution to its funding.
Sport England have been party to this project since its inception, together with the Amateur Swimming Association, Worcester City Swimming Club, The County Sports Partnership, Disability Sport Worcester and the Heart of Worcestershire College.
We the city, and our residents, owe them all a very big thank you!
CLLR MIKE JOHNSON
Cabinet member, sport, leisure and retail

Small minded to think we can go it alone 
SIR – To borrow from Ronald Reagan: there you go again, James Goad of UKIP (Letters, 11.12.15).
For instance, it simply is not true to say that “three-quarters of our law emanates from the unelected European Commission”. This absurd myth was conclusively demolished by Nick Clegg in his television debate with Nigel Farage. 
Moreover, Mr Goad inflicts grave damage on his own credibility by labelling as “traitors” those who do not share his obsessions. That’s a heck of a way to go about winning friends and influencing people!
There is so much in Mr Goad’s position which is, to say the least, challengeable in terms of fact and/or analysis. However, space here is limited, and the ping-pong of obscure detail can be a big yawn to most folk.
I would, though, call in aid an observation by near-centenarian Diana Athill, in the latest volume of her memoirs: “The difference between being the hub of a vast empire and being an island off the shores of, but not belonging to, Europe seems to be something that they [people of James Goad’s views] are unable to understand.”
Taking into account the increasingly global nature of everything, it is surely a huge leap of (misplaced) faith to believe that our security, economy, way of life in general and our responses to massively important issues such as climate change and population growth could possibly be enhanced by turning inwards towards isolation and becoming “smaller”.
DAVID BARLOW
Worcester

Too much power sits in too few hands 
SIR – Nine members of the city council also sit on the county council. Four of those nine hold positions in both city and county cabinets. 
It must be great fun for everyone to hear the same voices saying the same things over and over. 
I find, therefore, Marc Bayliss’ comment that he doesn’t believe “we are over-governed” somewhat disingenuous. It would be difficult to be over-governed, when we have so few doing the governing. Given the over-representation of the city in the county cabinet, it seems to me that there is too much power sitting in far too few hands.
Whilst I am in favour of a single authority, I also realise that asking our good councillors to agree to such a switch would be like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas. 
I also accept that the party system, despite all its failings, is probably the only way that any change will happen. Why can’t we, the electorate, have more choice? Are there really so few suitable candidates in Worcester?
I appreciate that this might hurt some of our existing councillors, particularly those with two jobs, but look at it this way, it’s going to be better for Worcester.
 ROBYN NORFOLK
Worcester

Learn about realities of homelessness
SIR – There has been much controversy in the Worcester News recently about homelessness and whether it is a lifestyle choice.
Unfortunately our awareness around the homeless mainly comes to the surface at Christmas time when we think of others less fortunate than ourselves. Of course the causes of homelessness are all year round and are many! 
St Paul’s creative group gives a few possibilities of how individuals can end up without a home and you can discover the many talents and skills of some of our group at St Paul’s Church today (Thursday, Dec 17). 
Doors open at 5.45pm for a 6pm start for an impressive showcase event of films and poetry readings. Everyone welcome!
GERALDINE LOWMAN
Worcester


Shops not Rudolph’s natural environment
SIR – I was disappointed to see real reindeer in Reindeer Court on Saturday.
Even domesticated animals used in displays can become frightened or stressed by being in strange, busy and invariable noisy environments and transport is a known source of stress for many animals, whether exotic or domesticated. 
I can’t imagine why anyone would think that animals and a busy shopping centre are a good mix. 
PAULINE BURGESS
Malvern

Ill wind for bats, birds
SIR – I agree with John Phillpott (December 6) – wind turbines will kill thousands of bats and birds.
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester