Presumably, finance is a major factor but it must be possible, within constraints, to produce eye pleasing strictures with some flair. I appreciate that some will argue that the trend is bucked by Debenham's metal whale, but one then asks about the context in which buildings are placed. A previously delightful market town should not have been used as a backdrop against which to display a variety of sore thumbs.
B Perrett,
Cathedral Meadows, Bury St Edmunds.

Advice must stay free

I was very concerned at the suggestion of one of our St Edmundsbury councillors that the Citizens Advice Bureau should consider charging for advice (Bury Free Press, December 12) and would like to explain how important it is we are able to continue to provide free advice.
Our clients come to see us because they are in need of immediate help – this may be with debt, for instance, which amounts to a third of our inquiries – and means that whatever their previous circumstances they are unable to meet their commitments.
How can we then say we will not provide any help unless they are able to pay, when they may be unable to pay their mortgage? Do we start means-testing?
How do we reach clients at risk of repossession, or whose relationship is falling apart, or who may have been unfairly selected for redundancy, homeless or with mental health problems, if they are too worried about the possible cost to come and see us?
Everyone currently knows that whatever their circumstances, they can obtain free advice here. Once that is replaced in people's minds with the idea there is a cost we will lose a great deal of clients who need our help.
Our volunteers give up their time to help the community and feel strongly that the service they offer should be free of charge to all.
Jane Ballard,
Bury St Edmunds CAB manager.

Police did the right thing

Of two letters (December 19) with differing views on the motorist fined for incorrect use of car fog lights, I would perhaps go along with Mr Hubbard's view that an even greater hazard to others is the motorist who relies on side lights in poor light conditions.
I do not, however, support his implication that application of the law should be on an either or basis.
The police were, in my view, right in the reported case and they are very wrong not to act against those who rely on side lights only when driving. Far too many motorists seem to be oblivious to the fact that the need to be seen is much more important than the need to see.
Is not the safe rule: Light up with dipped beam sooner rather than later and use fog light front and/or rear only in very poor visibility and turn off the rear ones as soon as others are close behind. Oh, and check regularly that no bulbs have failed.
Keith Taylor,
Watton.

n The report and letters about the use of fog lights on cars highlights a safety issue that is not clearly understood by many drivers. We undertook a five-year vision research programme on the effects of lighting and safety.
Lights on cars serve two purposes: To help you to drive more safely by seeing the road more clearly and to help others see you.
Front fog lights are rarely used properly. They have a broad spread of light and an effective range of 20m at the most. This is not sufficient stopping distance when travelling at 30mph (see the Highway Code). So fog lights do not help you to see better and drive more safely unless you are in very thick fog, travelling at about 20mph and need to see the edge of the road and the reflectors/lines in the middle. Such conditions do not occur often, fortunately.
Front fog lights dazzle oncoming drivers in ways properly adjusted, dipped headlights do not.
While I can sympathise with the driver who feels he was unfairly singled out for breaking the law, I am pleased the police have raised this road safety issue at this time of year.
Antony Hurden,
Sagentia Ltd,
Harston, Cambridge.

n I was amazed to read the story of Mike Brown and his alleged misuse of foglights (December 5).
I was under the impression the police had given up enforcing offences of this kind and others – including parking on yellow lines and pavements, parking on pelican crossings, cycling on pavements etc – as these are routinely ignored on a daily basis. Let's hope that they keep up the good work.
Mike Lawfield,
Crown Street, Bury.

More support for stadium

With reference to recent articles on West Row Stadium and motocross, I think it is a great pity that, when central Government is asking Forest Heath to provide more leisure facilities in our area, the stadium does not get more support from the council.
The officers put every obstacle in the way of the stadium and motocross. These facilities, unlike other leisure facilities in Forest Heath, are funded independently with private money for the benefit of the community, with no expense to the tax-payer.
Not only do the stadium and motocross bring revenue to the area, shops, garages, guest houses and hotels, they also pay rates.
The elected members of Forest Heath have always been very supportive of the stadium. Thank God for their support!
Cllr Terry Waters,
Mildenhall.

A14 needs repairs now

FOUR weeks ago, I aquaplaned just after the new stretch of road at Haughley on the A14. I was shaken and called the police about the surface water on the westbound carriageway, just after the new surface.
Last Saturday, as I was travelling eastbound in the rain, there was another accident westbound in the same spot. Someone needs to take serious action very quickly. There is a fundamental flaw in this part of the road that leaves a small lake in the road after rain. Please be careful.
Simon Williams,
Woolpit.

Thanks

On behalf of the Royal British Legion I would like to sincerely thank all those people who helped with, and also those who contributed to, the Poppy Appeal this year in Bury.
The appeal raised £32,707.99.
Dick Palmer,
Bury Poppy Appeal organiser.

n AT THE end of yet another busy year of fund-raising for The Children's Society, on behalf of Great Barton Support Group, I wish to offer grateful thanks to those who supported our work in 2008.
You have helped us raise another record total of £4,740 from our three garage shop open days. Despite general shop sales being £1,500 down on 2007, the overall parish count of £18,200 is incredible. So, well done.
Julia M Briggs MBE,
Great Barton Support Group.