RESIDENTS in Northwich will be delighted with the decision not to award the Waste Recycling Group (WRG) the £850m contract to manage Cheshire’s household and residual waste.

This means residents no longer face the threat of WRG having a waste incinerator at Lostock.

The campaign by Chain rightly outlined the potential dangers of the incinerator and its threat to public health and the environment.

Through the activities of Chain residents were able to join in a very professional and focused campaign against the proposed incinerator.

I’m certain the approach of Chain and the response from Northwich residents played a pivotal role in getting the WRG proposals rejected by Cheshire.

I’d like to pass on my congratulations to everyone involved - this was a victory for common sense.

Mike Hall

Weaver Vale MP

Give Belarus kids a break

WE’RE looking for families to host children from the area affected by the 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor.

That event changed the lives of millions of Belarusian and Ukrainian people.

The charity aims to help those affected and to show that people really do care.

The charity Chernobyl Children Life Line has made it possible for more than 42,000 children to visit Britain for respite from their contaminated environment.

Financial help has been given to specialist hospitals and orphanages in Belarus.

Later this year, 12 children from Belarus or the Ukraine, aged 10-11, will be staying with host families in the area for one month.

They will arrive in mid July and stay for four weeks. The charity organisers in Burtonwood are currently raising funds and putting together an exciting programme of events for the visiting children.

If you think you can help by hosting a child or providing some financial help, we’d love to hear from you. Contact the chairman, Colin Frodsham, on 01925 221614.

Brian Jamson

Chernobyl Children Life

Hunting ban must stay

RECENT reports that the Hunting Act is nothing more than a temporary ban on hunting are quite simply not true.

The Hunting Act is an important piece of animal welfare legislation which protects wild animals from needless suffering and to repeal it would be a step backwards for what is supposed to be a progressive, civilised society.

I’m sure most readers, like the League Against Cruel Sports, abhor fox hunting but it also worth reminding them that the Conservatives have promised a free vote on repeal if they win the next General Election.

In doing so the party would be going against the will of 59% of its own voters and 75% of the public who think hunting should remain illegal.

But, more importantly, it would also be leaving itself wide open to being labelled the ‘nasty party’ which supports bloodsports and animal cruelty.

Is this the party we want to run our country?

John Cooper,

Chairman,League Against Cruel Sports, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1QZ

Use less salt

WE at World Cancer Research Fund want people to know how consuming too much salt can harm their health and probably increase their risk of stomach cancer.

Our daily intake of salt should be no more than 6g – but the average in the UK is 8.6g. Children should have far less than 6g.

However, there are many simple ways of cutting down, such as home-cooking your meals, choosing more vegetables and fruits in the place of salty processed foods or using spices, herbs, garlic and lemon for flavouring rather than salt.

Our booklet has other ideas on how to lower your salt intake as well as information on our other recommendations for cancer prevention.

We also have a whole host of recipe booklets on offer, packed with low salt recipes.

To find out more, visit www.wcrf-uk.org/recipes.

LISA COONEY

Head of EducationCancer Research Fund

Slovenia trek

I’M writing to encourage your readers to sign up for an adventure of a lifetime from September 18-22 by taking part in our Slovenia Trek in aid of the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) World Experience events.

The trek is also a great excuse to get heart healthy and embrace a new challenge while raising money to help the BHF continue its lifesaving work.

Call us for a free brochure on 0844 847 2788, email world@ bhf.org.uk or visit our website at bhf.org.uk/world.

Kate Mitchell

British Heart Foundation Event Project Manager

Stop injustice

SOCIETY is becoming increasingly worried about exploitation and injustice in the world.

Consumers now opt for products which have not been made in a sweat shop, and from recyclable materials. With all this worrying about exploiting people and the planet, it seems strange not many people stop to consider the animals.

Fur, wool, leather and silk are all produced by the exploitation. Around 50 million animals are killed each year for their fur. Rabbit, mink and fox are the most commonly bred.

Viva! has recently launched a campaign against the exploitation of animals for the fashion trade. To find out about how you can be cruelty-free and fashionable, visit www.thebigcoverup.org.uk.

Fiona Galbraith

Viva! Youth Campaigner,York Court, Wilder Street,Bristol BS2 8QH