SIR – Thank you for the recent article detailing the call for June 2 to be declared Elgar Day in Worcester. I am thrilled that the motion was adopted unanimously by the council and that we can celebrate the life and works of Sir Edward Elgar more fully.

I also note on the comments page your desire to make more of Worcester’s civil war heritage too. I absolutely agree and when Elgar Day grows into the national and international success that I know it will become, new visitors to Worcester will not only take part in the Elgar-themed activities, but also learn more about the full history of this great city, including the civil war.  I should point out though, that there was more than just the civil wars of the 1600s; Worcester has had its fair share of conflict, including being heavily involved in the civil war of King Stephen and Empress Matilda in the 1130s-1150s, often referred to as The Anarchy.

Worcester was attacked in 1139 and was actually ravaged by both sides during that civil war, thanks to the treachery of one of King Stephen’s nobles, while the population took refuge in the cathedral.  So as we can see, Edward Elgar is just one part of a massive historical treasure trove that Worcester has to offer.  I intend to ensure that the Shakespeare of Worcester receives all the commemoration and celebration accordant to his contribution to our amazing city, and I know that this will give rise to people learning so much more about our rich heritage.

Cllr Alan Feeney Worcester Don’t close pharmacies SIR – I have just returned from a visit to my local pharmacy to collect some medication. On the counter was a petition to sign to save our pharmacies from closure.

“Why on earth would the government want to close any pharmacies?” I asked.

Apparently they are funded by the government and to close some down would save them money.

The lady also pointed out that the big grocery stores who have pharmaceutical goods don’t cost them anything.

Needless to say I promptly signed the petition.

On the other hand we are advised to consult a pharmacist for minor ailments (thus saving overstretched surgeries).

I have a leaflet listing 17 minor ailments, but not limited to that number.

Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide advice on common health problems and the best medicines to treat them.

JEAN HARRIS Worcester Getting the facts straight SIR – I would like to respond to Pat Kelly, (Worcester News, letter, March 24), regarding officers in the police.  First of all I am sorry if she was upset by what I wrote. The truth always hurts. The facts I put in the letter gave the truth about what happened on the day a dog was run down by a car with police officers driving (fact) – I do try to get facts of things before writing them down as we all do.  Pat Kelly has her opinion as we all do, and she is entitled to it.

As we don’t have a soap box to voice our opinions, the Worcester News very kindly allows us all to voice our opinion on various matters which I am grateful for.  The police do get a lot wrong as I said before. They are not all angels, they are human beings and make lots of mistakes. They are a law unto themselves.

At least Pat Kelly read my letter.

Carol Roberts Worcester ‘Our children are suffering’ SIR – Taxpayers are paying a fortune, as schools are having to hire teaching assistants at £65 a day to translate for pupils from eastern Europe.

Even though many foreign migrants work and pay tax, they take out far more than they pay in, and there are thousands who don’t work, claim vast benefits and have kids at schools.

At a school in Boston, Lincolnshire, 66 per cent of children do not speak English. At another school in Gravesend, the school has 27 nationalities, and 70 per cent have a first language from eastern Europe.  Teachers are having to speak half in English and half in a foreign language which takes twice as long and slows the child’s learning down.

Are British kids suffering from this? Of course they must be. We are falling behind in education to many countries around the world.

This is another example of why we must leave the EU and control the amount of people coming into the country.

GB Dipper Leominster