IT IS TOO EARLY

Why is it that Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier each year? No sooner is October over, the Christmas lights go up and the shops start putting on the hard sell to get our hard-earned pounds and pence. Maybe it's old fashioned now but when I was a lad, Christmas was about more than cash, bright lights and repeats of old movies. It was about family, friends and celebrating the birth of Christ. I suppose that's progress for you though.

BOB PETERSON

Hither Green

GEM OF A TALE

I have been reading in all the papers about the foiled raid on the Dome last year when an armed gang tried to steal those priceless gems. Although I don't support crime and criminals, I have really enjoyed the story of how they planned to steal the gems and escape on a powerboat down the Thames. It struck me, while reading, that at last the Dome has come in useful! It's made an old woman read the paper!

Joan Stimpson

Greenwich

60-HOUR JOKE

I am so pleased to see that having defrauded the local government of £5654.68 Hakeem Oduwole will have to do 60 hours work. For 60 hours work a week, I and millions like me, receive a few hundred pounds and then have to pay tax and national insurance. Council leader Chris Roberts said: "The council will not tolerate fraudsters. Let this be a warning". I can just picture the thousands of swindlers quaking in their boots. Carry on the good work local government!

D Phillips

Pinnell Road

Eltham

CRIME PAYS

You featured a report of a sentence of 60 hours' community service for benefit fraud (News Shopper, November 7). The overpaid housing benefit and council tax represents £94.24 per hour. It would appear crime does pay after all!

Dorothy Mepsted

Bexley Road

Eltham

November 15, 2001 11:06