Do you agree with our readers? Have your say on these MetroTalk topics and more in the comments.
Young bikers are tearing up the streets and my patience
The arrival of spring has precipitated the return of the curse of modern life, namely youthful motorcyclists, speeding around and creating a great deal of unwelcome noise through their ‘flash, bang, wallop’ activities.
Like soldiers with weapons but no war, these youngsters ride around going nowhere in particular. Faces covered by helmets and visors, they look like creatures from an old space film.
Alone or in groups, they head for busy London sites and seaside resorts.
Do they have jobs? And if not, how can they afford to maintain their machines? Surely their antics should lead to a reconsideration of conscription? Antony Porter, London
The pound sign is vanishing and no one is talking about it
‘People are contriving to wipe out another part of great nation’s history’
Banknotes and coins are becoming less common in our digital world – and the pound sign (£) is disappearing, too. Many restaurant and pub menus display the price without it (eg ‘fish and chips… 19’) and many TV adverts state the price is ‘just 399’ and so on. Perhaps I should try offering just 19p for those fish and chips!
The pound sterling is the oldest currency in continuous use and the pound sign has been in use since the late 17th century. It’s a pity people are contriving to wipe out yet another part of our great nation’s history. Lester May, Camden Town
Anyone can be a ‘twitcher’, surely
‘I’m a black woman and not seriously interested in birdwatching but doubt any white person would object if I were.’
Record-breaking British-Bangladeshi birdwatcher Mya-Rose Craig says the Asian side of her family described her hobby as a ‘white people thing’ (Metro, Wed). The youngest person to spot 5,000 species calls for more ‘inclusion’ in the pastime.
I’m a black woman and not seriously interested in birdwatching but doubt any white person would object if I were. If minorities are interested in a hobby but refuse to take it up because they don’t know others of their ethnicity doing it, the problem is with them.
Does Ms Craig think any white person would intimidate any member of a minority group from observing birds, plants and the skies? Andrée, London
Cancelling the Easter church parade is not inclusive – it’s erasure
‘this decision is seen as an attack upon Christian beliefs.’
Regarding Hampshire’s Norwood Primary School cancelling its Easter church parade ‘in the spirit of inclusivity and respect for the diverse religious beliefs represented’ among its pupils.
Celebrating Christian festivals does not cause offence to the many minorities who have assimilated into our society and co-exist peacefully within it.
Festivals such as Eid and Diwali are increasingly celebrated here – as they should be. But that does not mean Christian festivals must be relegated for fear of offending those of other faiths.
Far from making people more tolerant of other cultures and faiths, this decision is seen as an attack upon Christian beliefs. Bob Readman, Sevenoaks
No smoking please – not even outside
‘I’m sure smokers would be horrified to know…’
Well done John Garrod for banning smoking in his pub garden (Metro, Mon). I’m sure smokers would be horrified to know how the smell of cigarettes clings to their clothes and breath. Melissa, Birmingham
Too much Saxon drama for one viewer
‘Saxon violence on film.’
I just watched a film, Ethelred The Unready – too much Saxon violence. Jeff, Nuneaton
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