WE have an Army in Iraq, so we are told, to make the country safer and better to live in. At what cost? The answer is millions.

In our prisons there are certain inmates who have committed murders of unbelievable horror, who receive special treatment, are watched night and day to ensure they don't harm themselves, and their health monitored closely - the cost is a state secret.

A debate on the question of smacking children, the House of Lords, Parliament, discuss this important matter. There is another issue that deserves their attention.

In our town, and across Britain, old and infirm people, some whose minds can no longer comprehend what is happening to them, are moved around like refugees in their own country, because the care homes can no longer afford to look after them. Their plight seems to be ignored by the politicians, in fact some may think they are a burden on the State.

It is said, "comparisons are odious", especially if they are true.

John S L Evans

Howard Avenue

Deane