BAD FOR BUSINESS: I agree with V M Loader about traffic problems created in Sidcup by unnecessary lights (Letters, May 28). There are long queues and I have found myself unable to get out of Rectory Lane. Add to the traffic problems the fact they have turned the one or two-hour free parking spots near Sidcup Library into parking for resident permit holders only (the bays now sit empty!) and one has another reason not to travel to Sidcup. Does the council want to destroy local businesses? I shall be popping to Bluewater in future — as, I suspect, will many other people.

C E Rosette, Sidcup

STOP VANDALS: Something must be done about vandals in Welling. In the early hours on June 10, they set fire to a motorbike at the side wall of my house. If my neighbour had not seen it and phoned the fire brigade, my house could have been burnt down and I could have been killed. I am a 70-year-old widow and I am very frightened by this. The vandals are getting worse, but we shouldn’t have to put up with this. Can the police not help? Please help to get help for people like me.

Mrs I Jefferies, Address supplied

IS IT WORTH IT?: May I, through your very helpful paper, put to shame the people who have vandalised my garden four times. I have lost nine items, such as garden ornaments and hanging baskets, and had troughs of flowers taken and broken up at the end of the road. I wonder if these people know or care how much time and effort it takes to make a beautiful garden. I am 93 years old and am fortunate to still be able to garden as I am disabled. I enjoy it and it is appreciated by friends and neighbours. Now I wonder if it is worth all the effort.

Mrs B Russell, Bexleyheath

BLUE BADGE BLUES: I think W K Quick (Letters, June 4) may have got his wires crossed regarding certain drivers being exempt from paying vehicle excise duty. This applies only if the disabled person qualifies before reaching the age of 65 years of age. It is refused if somebody applies after that age. So even if you have a Blue Badge full excise duty still has to be paid.

Mr R Savage, Northfleet

BEST READ: Thank you so much for writing about Sevendroog Castle. I recently visited my friend in Coventry for her 90th birthday and she was talking nostalgically about visiting there just before the war. We used to go for a walk together every Sunday during the war when her daughter was a baby. I love News Shopper. It has the most local news of any paper. Good luck for the future.

D McDonald, Bexleyheath