SIR – Whose bright idea was it to build an ‘aircraft runway’ down to the Carrington Bridge after the government had turned down our application for funding to make it a dual bridge?
Looking at the flood pictures in the paper showing all the water round the road and bridge shows once again that it makes far more sense to build a new bridge at Claines and complete the ring road.
When we had the floods two years ago I wrote and suggested that Robin Walker asked the EU for funding from the flood fund, but he ignored the suggestion. I think once again that we should be doing so.
WENDY TURBERFIELD
Worcester

Open immigration policy ‘totally crazy’
SIR – It is obvious that from the disgusting sex attacks carried out on New Year’s Eve in Cologne and other German cities that men from certain areas of the world have no respect for women.
Germany is now paying the price for Angela Merkel’s open door policy. To try and integrate one million people at once is totally crazy.
The EU will try and brush these attacks under the carpet – as it’s terrified of the word ‘racist’. These men, or animals, treat women in their own countries as second-class citizens, and come here to think they can do the same. 
Wake up, before it happens here.
GB DIPPER
Leominster

Park stroll made me think of springtime
SIR – I wondered if spring was early this year? Wandering through Gheluvelt Park today (January 13) at 3.15pm the splashpad was in full working order!
Before all the children get the wrong message however, it was purely the maintenance people at work.
Roll on summer!
PHIL PEGLER
Worcester

EU red-tape cripples 
our steel industry
SIR – I was interested and alarmed to read that Nigel Farage had needed to call on the Welsh First Minister, Carwyn Jones to defy the EU and try to save Welsh steel ahead of an EU debate in Cardiff.
Sixteen thousand jobs are at risk at the UK’s largest steelworks in Port Talbot. Mr Farage urged the minister to defy EU regulation which has caused energy prices to soar, making production unsustainable and prevents mechanisms that could help to ensure that the Welsh company survives. These regulations block the UK government from providing any financial assistance.
With the crippling of the steelworks comes increasing energy costs meaning that they cannot compete on a level playing field with the EU’s green agenda largely responsible for the UK’s Climate Change Act, authorised by Ed Miliband and backed by the Labour party. Meanwhile, the EU looks on as China dumps cheap steel in its backyard.
This surely cannot strike anyone as common sense.
WENDY HANDS
Upton-upon-Severn

And so, the tedious
Goad-ing continues
SIR – It is a little strange that Ukip’s forgetful James Goad (Letters, January 12) should need – and be awarded – two responses to mine of December 17.
However, what’s more seriously worrying is a stock-in-trade of describing as liars anyone who disagrees with a Brexit outlook, former Deputy PM Nick Clegg being the latest example. In the TV debate with Ukip leader Nigel Farage, to which we have both referred, Clegg made it clear that it was the House of Commons Library which had carried out objective and independent research and provided him with the true position with regard to the origination of our laws. 
Are we to believe that this Library is staffed by liars? Such an approach to the search for truth really will not do; nor will the fairly recent phenomenon of elevation of belief above fact. The existence of the former does not create the latter.  
DAVID BARLOW
Worcester

‘Decembeard’ men
did our group proud 
SIR – We would like to thank all the local men who took part in Beating Bowel Cancer’s Decembeard fundraising campaign by going grizzly last month.
Decembeard, which asks men to ditch their razors and grow a beard throughout the month, is a fun way for individuals or teams to raise funds and help to increase awareness of the disease. It’s simple to take part in and thousands signed up for it again last month. We’d like to thank every one of them for their support.
The many thousands of pounds they have raised in sponsorship will help the charity to support bowel cancer patients and their families and to raise awareness of the disease, its symptoms and the need for early diagnosis. 
As well as raising funds for the charity, the campaign can help to break down the stigma of talking about bowel cancer, which is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. Over a hundred people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every day, yet over 90 pre cent of cases can be treated successfully if caught early. So it’s vital that people become more aware of the symptoms so they can act quickly. 
MARK FLANNAGAN
Beating Bowel Cancer

God bless Mr Obama
SIR – I feel genuinely sorry for President Obama. He has an impossible job trying to please everybody. My prayers are with you Sir. Good luck.
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester