I READ with interest the article by Mike Jarvis on the installation of solar panels at Newquay Zoo.

While I fully support the need to convert to so-called "green" energy, if the figures quoted are correct, then the saving per annum on the electricity generated by these panels will only amount to a measly £1,068 (ie 9,300kwh at 11.49p per kwh); does this really justify the expenditure to install these of £53,728.23?

Could not the grants of £30,000 from the EDF energy green fund and the £23,728.23 from the Government's low carbon building fund, which covered the installation costs, have been better spent on providing heating grants for more deserving cases than monkeys in a zoo? Isn't this perhaps just another instance of the public being made monkeys of by the powers that be?

I think I will be turning my heating off and spending more time on the monkey walk at Newquay Zoo.

PHILIP CANTLAY

Liskeard

Re: Camelford Christmas lights

WITH reference to the comments made by Mrs Abigail Kirby-Harris in the Cornish Guardian, December 2, perhaps she is not aware of the time it takes for 16 volunteers to complete all the hard work necessary for the actual switch-on on December 5? Incidentally, this is after the first Sunday in Advent on November 29.

This year has been particularly difficult for all concerned having to operate in all winds and weathers, and without the three hoists generously provided by Western Power, the whole project would have been impossible.

HAZEL KAY

Camelford

Do Not Resuscitate Orders

I HAVE recently had cause to wonder about the Human Rights Act's position with respect to the above-referenced Do Not Resuscitate decisions. Any member of the general public that I have discussed this with, whether family, or friends and strangers, have all felt it is a family's right to be advised when, and why, such an order is made, whereas the medical profession believes that it is optional for them to discuss this with a patient's family.

I have tried to resolve the matter for myself by reading up on material written about Human Rights, but I find such material to be very ambivalent and wishy-washy. My question is: Is it a family's human rights and thus the law to be advised of when and why such an order is made with respect to patient, except where the patient opposes it? A non-ambivalent reply at your earliest convenience would be appreciated.

R C FORTUNE

Par

NB This letter was written in Cornish, but here is the English translation:

Dear Editor,

Speak Cornish – it's your language!

It is truly a shame that Sophie Hodge has never heard a word of Cornish spoken. Nowadays, she ought to come to Camelford, which isn't many miles from St Mabyn. In our town she can meet with people who say 'good morning' and 'see you', both in the street and in more than one shop, then 'thank you' and 'goodbye', all in Cornish.

In July the Camelford Charter, granted to the town more than seven centuries ago, was read out in Latin, English and Cornish, before all the people. Come to Camelford, Sophie, and here you will find spoken Cornish. If anyone wants to find out more about Cornish, they can phone Brenda on 01840 211725 or Maureen on 01579 382 511. Cornish for ever!

BRENDA CARNE

Camelford

PIRAN, you are bang on the mark. Our appalling transport system is choking the Cornish economy. Due to our scattered population but also due to its inherent inconvenience, public transport will never answer our needs; it can never move our people, goods or services around effectively.

What we need is investment in a proper road system, with the aim of speeding traffic up, not slowing it down, which appears to be the objective of current policy.

Compared to many parts of the country, our road network has been neglected for decades. The remaining sections of the A30 and A38 should be dualled ASAP; the Truro, Falmouth, Redruth triangle should be dualled, as should Truro to Carland Cross and St Austell to the A30.

If spending on the railway can be justified then a new high-speed line is needed, the current wiggly windy line from Penzance to Plymouth is hopeless.

JOHN HATTON

Association of British Drivers