SIR – Gheluvelt Park has always been an attraction since its construction in memory of the brave men of The 2nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment who held Gheluvelt from the Germans in World War One,in a battle which helped to shorten the whole war.
In recent years Council workers, the Duckworth Trust and Friends of the park have united to ensure the park maintains its tradition but moves with the times. Lottery funding,helped to provide a new play ground, open air gym, plenty of open space for general play, and a magnificent splashpad.
So good has been the park’s improvement that it has been named as one of the UK’s top three following a nationwide poll of 122 parks. 
Is this surprising when over 800,000 patrons passed through its gate last year. The City Council are fully justified in allocating a further £250,000 to spend on further improvements next year
PHIL PEGLER
Worcester

So why does the commission say 80%?
SIR – I write in response to Mr Barlow’s letter (17.12.15) in which he has (again) attacked James Goad. In his second paragraph, Mr Barlow touches on the suggested 75 per cent of our laws which emanate from Brussels. He claims this ‘absurd myth’ was ‘conclusively demolished by Nick Clegg, in his television debate with Nigel Farage’.
After a quick check on Wikipedia, I realised where I’d heard the name Clegg... and It wasn’t on Last of the Summer Wine. It turns out Nick Clegg used to be a politician, in this very country! In fact, I think I remember those televised debates. My lasting memory is the pallid colour of nervous Nick.
I remember comments at the time about this topic:
l Vivian Reding (then European Commission Vice President) claimed 75-80 per cent. Her speech is online – I double-dare Mr Barlow to google it...
l European Free alliance (includes SNP, Green MEPs) claimed 70 per cent
I remember the comments beforehand:
l In 2009, David Cameron said it was 50 per cent
l In 2003, Nick Clegg (who?) said it was 50 per cent.
I remember the comments since:
l This year, ‘Business for Britain’ put the figure at 65 per cent.
l The House of Commons Library (despite what Clegg claimed) states 53 per cent.
With that, I yawned and stopped reading Mr Barlow’s letter at paragraph two, so I can’t comment on the rest. Good night.
OWEN CLEARY
Worcester

We need to own the railways
SIR – As many local people will be aware, rail fares have increased again but it is unlikely we will notice an improvement in service. Since ownership of the rail service was handed to the private sector, the mantra has been “profit before people”.
Trains to and from Droitwich are constantly cancelled or run late, are of a poor quality and passengers are often left with little or no information concerning the reasons for problems with their journeys.
The Labour Party nationally is campaigning for the ownership of the railways to be given back to the public so the public can receive a service that reflects what they pay for it and staff can receive a wage that reflects both their hard work and dedication instead of their bosses rewarding themselves every year with big, fat bonuses and ever increasing salaries. 
This view is endorsed by your local Labour Party.
 ALAN HUMPHRIES
Droitwich and District Labour Party

Make more of the Commandery
SIR – As with our Cathedral, the Commandery in Worcester is a terrific asset. Although they have now thankfully begun to offer refreshments, I still believe its’ potential and advertising could be better though. Just today as I walked past I noticed two empty flag-pole holders adjacent to the canal. Why not fly a Worcestershire flag and perhaps a Union or heritage-type one in the other? Aesthetically, blandness is another issue I feel it suffers from, with very little colour in the summer and none in the winter. How about some colourful hanging baskets and tubs? There is a lot of canal traffic in the warmer months, why not try and entice some in?
C D LEE
Worcester

Concern over store’s refund policy
SIR – May I warn purchasers at Debenhams that if they think they have found a less than half price bargain, and subsequently have to return the goods for some reason, they will not get a refund in the mode they paid – but a gift card. Apparently this policy is on the back of the receipt, but unless you are clairvoyant you cannot see this until you have made your purchase.
It might be a good idea to buy elsewhere if you don’t want a gift card.
MRS J GREEN
Worcester

I doubt our leaders  will follow his advice
SIR – Sir David Attenborough, one of the wisest men alive today, said recently “We need to tap into our sun’s massive energy to solve our planet’s problems.”
So we can survive climate/change – provided our argumentative, “macho” dunderheads – our politicians – do not blow us all to kingdom come in a nuclear war.
“Goodbye” mankind! What a laugh our House of Commons is (ho ho ho!)
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester