Statue could be moved to square

Once again, (Mailbox, October 11) we have criticism of Sir Peter Soulsby's efforts to restore and enhance the remaining heritage sites in the once proud historical city of Leicester.

Since the 1960s (and before) many handsome buildings have been bulldozed in the name of progress and replaced with bland, even ugly, soulless boxes with, seemingly, no-one in authority to curb the developers.

In the present day, the destruction still goes on in spite of the valiant efforts of the civic society, the Victorian Society and others.

But they do not pack as much clout as the city mayor.

Sir Peter hails from the North but takes more interest in Leicester's heritage than other leaders have done over many decades.

I was born in Leicester in 1922, living there for two-thirds of my life, and fondly remember it as a clean, prosperous and pleasant place to live. But no more.

Should it be proved that the recently unearthed bones are Richard III but the powers-that-be deem Leicester is not entitled to inter the king's relics, then I would suggest that, when the new St Martin's Square is completed, the existing statue is transferred to there from Castle Park.

Horace Gamble, Ratby.

John Burrows (Mailbox, October 22) has jumped on the bandwagon by moaning about the white elephant Curve.

These people annoy me so much. They are always having a go.

Have they ever been to see a show at this vibrant exciting theatre? Probably not.

Curve is a leading theatre in this country and can produce amazing technical feats that cannot be done in many London or New York theatres.

Not only do we have a superb theatre, we have one of the best – if not the best– artistic directors in Paul Kerryson.

So instead of continually moaning about Curve, go to a show, see the coaches that bring theatre-goers from well outside Leicestershire and be proud we have such a superb facility. And for goodness sake give support, not condemnation.

Val Gillings, Barrow-upon-Soar.

It seems that our highways mandarins are unwilling to sign the roads to Humberstone village.

So, just like Baldrick, I have a cunning plan – to ask Arriva and First Bus to amend their 38 and 38A and 58 and 58A bus sign board to read: "Hamilton via Humberstone and Thurnby Lodge".

What could be simpler?

John Burrows, Humberstone.

According to my dictionary, "pleb" is: "noun, disapproving, a member of the lower social classes".

Similarly "toff" is: "noun, disapproving, a rich upper-class person".

It's so comforting to know that, in this time of serious economic trouble for the country, our politicians are not indulging in an exchange of inane, infantile insults.

Indeed, it is encouraging to hear reasoned arguments skillfully outlining to us our current options instead of juvenile, tit-for-tat yah boo sucks.

Frankly, it bodes well for our future that those in charge have taken such an adult stance and put childish name-calling firmly to one side.

Russ Ball, Leicester.

Well, what can I say? One minute they say they are doing cheaper stamps for people on benefits to help them out in the run-up to Christmas, then the next thing they say you can only get them if you are on a certain benefit.

Well, because I am on jobseekers allowance, I don't get the stamps at a cheaper price.

What a joke. They say they want to help then they don't.

We can't win.

Michael Holmes, Leicester.