Dr Atkinson is out of touch on Bulger

LIKE millions of others who have been following the on-going developments of the James Bulger murder for 17 years, I was shocked to hear the government's Children's Commissioner, Dr Maggie Atkinson's proposal to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 and her description of James’ murder as: “exceptionally unpleasant”.

And the School Secretary, Ed Ball's comment on Jon Venables of being “not intrinsically evil” won't win him anymore votes either.

Dr Atkinson is the prime example of what has long been said; that as soon as some people got a few letters after their names and are put in ivory towers of authority they become detached from reality.

Isn't she aware we already have numerous young gangs in neighbourhoods made up of many under 10s who know the difference between right and wrong running amok and creating havoc with impunity?

Raise the age limit to 12 and we will see the problem more than doubled overnight.

A pack of dogs fouling the lounge carpet, a waiter spilling a whole bowl of soup onto your lap, those are some of the things that are “exceptionally unpleasant”. But I don't think anyone who is familiar with this tragic saga would even consider using those words to describe the deliberate and evil actions of Jon Venables like Dr Atkinson did.

Ed Ball's comment clearly illustrated his government's topsy-turvy policies of safeguarding criminals’ wellbeing before their victims.

If that's the best this government can get to oversee the morality of this country's children, God help the rest of the population when they become adults.

Rennie Ku, L8

Kirkby’s future

I AM writing to let readers in Kirkby know about a consultation exercise that is taking place about the future redevelopment of their town centre.

As everyone will be aware, the Destination Kirkby plans were rejected by the Secretary of State late last year. Whilst this was a huge disappointment for many people, the council was determined to ensure that opportunities should not be lost for Kirkby and remains committed to developing the town centre.

We are now taking a fresh look at Kirkby and the community’s input into this is really important.

Every household and business in Kirkby will be receiving a document through their doors this week which will ask the community for their views and priorities for the future for their town centre.

This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to have their say in what they want to see in their town centre and really help to shape the future for their area. You can also share your views on-line at www.knowsley.gov.uk

As a local councillor I know just how passionate the people of Kirkby are about their town and therefore I would urge everyone, young and old, to share their views at this early stage to make sure their opinions are taken into consideration.

Cllr Eddie Connor, Northwood

No excuse

THERE can be no justification for the shocking rise in petrol prices motorists are facing.

Oil prices have fallen and yet the cost of fuel will soon rise to an all-time record.

On top of this, the tax hike which is due to take effect on April 1 will hammer those whose livelihoods depend on this means of transport even more. There can be no other way to describe this than that motorists are being legally mugged every time they stop onto a forecourt.

It is high time there was an inquiry into the scandalous state of affairs that leaves drivers paying so much even though the price of oil has fallen.

Nobody wants to see a return to the fuel protests of a decade ago, but both the petrol companies and the Government appear to have learnt nothing from when the country was brought to a near standstill and have decided once again that motorists are fair game.

Name and address supplied

Killing our pubs

TALK about kicking something when it's down. With its latest proposals to lower the drink-drive alcohol limits, which currently allows a driver to drink up to two pints of normal strength beer or lager, the Government is really putting the boot in.

Currently we are losing up to 50 pubs a week thanks to cheap drinks available in the supermarkets and the smoking ban.

This draconian government's proposal to lower the limit to under one pint is in effect passing a death sentence on all of the remaining pubs in the land and yet another control over our few remaining freedoms.

Of course this government doesn't much care for our freedoms and it knows that when we meet in pubs our conversations often turn to what we really think of Gordon Brown and the rest.

But will the Conservatives or Liberal Democrats back Labour's proposals or will they denounce them ?Š

Philip Griffiths, UKIP North West chairman