SIR – Further to my previous letters regarding the pedestrian crossing where the Norton Road pedway meets St Peter’s Drive, in which I pointed out that the then existing globes were woefully inadequate, I am pleased to observe that the situation has now been resolved, with the addition of LED halos, equivalent to their counterparts on the Farne Road crossing.
Thank you to Roger Knight and his fellow councillors for their efforts in making this happen.
ALAN SHEPPARD
Worcester

Results of drugs habit treatment are dismal 
SIR – A report showing that just five per cent of drug users in Worcestershire kicked the habit following taxpayer-funded treatment is dismal indeed.
Though I have to say the UK average of 7.4 per cent successfully getting clean doesn’t inspire me with great confidence about drug treatment services generally.
Such services, which cost millions, are contracted out rather than run directly by local authorities and tax payers want best value. The impact on society of drug use is immense and the ripples spread far and wide.
Dr Richard Harling, Worcestershire’s county corporate director in charge of heath, is “quite persuaded” that more drugs should be decriminalised. I am not, it is a serious problem that needs serious answers.
We have to provide the best environment and assistance to give drug addicts the best chance of recovery.
Meanwhile I’m pleased that a highly reputable charitable trust is now running the treatment services in the county and making “steady” improvements. I trust progress is closely monitored.
JAMES CARVER
West Midlands UKIP MEP

Solution needed for illegally parked taxis 
SIR – Another new year but another old issue – about a dozen taxis parked along Foregate Street on Thursday evening. 
I don’t really care about taxi numbers, the fact is I believe it is illegal to park there, especially with two wheels on the pavement. 
Who exactly is incapable of enforcing the law in this area? May I suggest the installation of concrete bollards or metal posts to prevent this continuing?
C D LEE
Worcester


Camelot have ruined the national lottery
 SIR – The national lottery has become a joke since Camelot have raised the numbers to 59. The jackpot this weekend is £58 million, a stupid amount to win.
They have made it harder for people to win enough to retire from the rat race.
It’s gone from odds of 14 million-1, from October 2015, to a staggering 45 million-1.
If it’s the national lottery why weren’t the public asked if it was OK to raise the numbers from 49 to 59?
Why do Camelot think it’s OK to do this? Who did they consult? Who gave the OK?
GB DIPPER
Leominster

Congestion on roads needs urgent action
SIR – Tom Edwards (Worcester News, January 26) reporting on the city’s traffic problems surveyed by the council makes me wonder why six months have been wasted on a subject that everyone is aware of the answers.
Why are councillors wondering why five of the roads in question are actually taking less cars than in 2001? It is human nature that most drivers faced with a traffic jam are going to seek any alternate route possible. 
The council may well be concerned as to the effect of the hundreds of houses built or planned will have on Worcester’s roads.
These properties are being forced on us by the government without any thought that every house means on average two more cars (let alone the need for more schools and doctors’ surgeries).
Worcester was fortunate not to have been blitzed in the war, but something must be done quickly before the traffic really does come to complete standstill.
PHIL PEGLER
Worcester 

 
Not all charities fund testing on animals 
SIR – In recent issues of the Worcester News there have been several articles about good people fundraising for various charities connected with health and medical research.
Everybody wants to see medical progress, but an increasing number of people are refraining from donating to such charities, because they fear their money will be used to fund animal experiments.
Some of these charities do fund animal tests, but many do not, so it is possible for people to donate to health and research charities without fear that their money will be used to harm animals.
Instead of not giving to any health charities, members of the public can find out whether or not such charities fund animal experiments by consulting a list put together by animal protection group Animal Aid.
This can be found at http://tinyurl.com/AnimalAid-HealthCharities or a printed version can be obtained by calling Animal Aid on 01732 364546.
RONALD LEE 
Worcestershire Vegans & Veggies

Admiration for the work of Mr Phillpott
SIR – I shall celebrate your 1,000th page with a cup of sweet coffee, Mr Phillpott. I adore every word you write, Johnny Boy.
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester