SIR – I remember how appalled my mum and my grandfather (both had lived in Worcester all their lives) were with the infamous Lych Gate redevelopment back in the 1960s. 
This gave us the City Walls Road and, in return for vandalism of many beautiful and loved black and white buildings opposite the Cathedral, the Giffard Hotel! 
That hideous monster was soon taken over by a cheap chain, the luxury shopping centre closed and now it is being redeveloped once more. But the opportunity to preserve the Lych Gate is lost forever. 
Elgar apart, our Worcester heritage is the Royal Porcelain, please don’t throw that away (My grandfather sat next to painter Harry Davis at school; he did Grandfather’s art and in return Grandfather did Harry’s maths!). 
It took years to build up that incredible company with a world-wide reputation and like the Lych Gate will take a moment to destroy; but for what? 
I was born in Worcester nearly 70 years ago and I’m proud of our heritage but we seem to be very unlucky with our planners!
DICK STOCKFORD
Malvern 


Join Muslims in fight to reclaim sovereignty 
SIR – I read with great interest an article in the Telegraph by Naheed Maghed, a member of Muslims for Britain - a new campaign group that aims to win support for Brexit among the UK’s 3 million Muslims. 
She writes most articulately about why British Muslims should vote to leave EU.  What it has in common with Christians for Britain and other faith groups is the goal of dispelling myths surrounding our exit from the EU and wishing to return sovereign power to our great nation.  
 A few years ago I had the privilege to visit the World War cemeteries and memorials commemorating the ultimate sacrifices made by so many so that we have the liberties threatened by the EU today. At the Menin Gate I saw the “Khans” and “Allah Dittas” amongst the list of names. Coming from a Pakistani background it was a most humbling and emotionally charged experience. These were the Muslim soldiers who chose to fight and die for Britain.  
 It is shocking that in the last 20 years EU accounts have not been signed off. 40 years ago the British public voted Yes to a free trade area with Europe; what they did not vote for was “United States of Europe”. The coming referendum is opportunity to take back control from EU and I hope that the Muslim community will play an important role in achieving this... 
Eat your heart Donald Trump; let us all join forces, those of faith and those without, to reclaim our sovereignty.
WENDY HANDS
Upton-upon-Severn

Council tax rises could have been prevented
SIR – In response to Cllr Chris Mitchell’s letter (Worcester News, February 11), he had nothing to say about the County Council’s council tax increase, which is far greater than the city council tax increase that the previous administration proposed and which the Conservatives will propose. 
He had nothing to say about the huge cuts in central funding that are forcing local councils to increase council tax. Soon there will be no central funding. The government is cutting tax to corporations and high earners, then forcing local tax payers to pick up the bill. 
If Cllr Mitchell and many other councillors across the country had consistently campaigned against the cuts over the past six years, we might not be in a situation where council tax has to be increased. The reality is that the cuts are part of Conservative ideology to wind down the welfare state, whilst furthering the interests of the rich elite who fund the party.
NEIL LAURENSON
Green Party Councillor for St Stephen ward

Disappointment with failings in police force
SIR – I was very disappointed to learn from the PEEL report published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) of some of the failings at West Mercia Police.
 Out of the three areas of assessment by HMIC our local police force was deemed to require improvement in two; Effectiveness and Legitimacy. This simply isn’t good enough and is yet another sign of a failed Commissioner Team.
 I’m proud of our hard working police officers and staff in West Mercia as HMIC has recognised some of the good work that happens on the front line. I have a plan to support West Mercia Police to improve its service to our community through effective challenge and investment. I will also work closely with the government, local MPs and local councils to make sure securing a Safer West Mercia is a team effort.
JOHN CAMPION
Conservative candidate, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner

Stopped reading after incorrect first reason 
SIR – Your correspondent NM Dunkley lists eight reasons for leaving the EU. (Worcester News, February 23).
Number one he says is “Abolish the Human Rights Act, to be replaced by our own bill of rights.” The Human Rights Act was passed by the Westminster Parliament and they can just as easily repeal it. Leaving the EU has nothing to do with it. Indeed it reflects the European Convention on Human Rights which predates and is totally separate from EU law.
I did not bother to read his other seven “reasons”.
BRYN GRIFFITHS
Worcester