SIR - I must comment on Dr Tom Smith's January 8 article, "TV show's medical advice a turn-off."

How absolutely true. People spend ridiculous sums of money on herbal "medicines" that they do not need simply because of programmes like the Good Morning show on TV.

There is usually no scientific evidence for their claims that all these wonderful herbs will cure everything at a stroke! One just has to wander around any of the shops specialising in vitamins, additives, herbals etc to see that it is a huge business indeed.

People are so gullible, believing that if it is advertised on the telly then it must be OK. When will they learn that a balanced diet does not require all the supplements that are foisted on the public in the advertising material seen everywhere nowadays?

There is no scientific evidence for their claims. When I see such evidence, then I will be converted!

Philomena Hingston, Leaventhorpe Avenue, Bradford 8.

SIR - I am afraid that I must take issue with the January 8 article by "Dr Tom".

For a start, ginseng has been extensively researched and is well known for its adaptogen properties, as well as its low toxicity. Also, many complementary methods of treatment have been proved with the use of double-blind tests.

This applies to acupuncture, homeopathy and healing to my certain knowledge.

The latest "Which?" magazine gives the results of their survey on complementary medicine. Of the replies, 80 per cent said that they were very pleased with the results of their treatments.

All complementary treatments by qualified practitioners are very safe. They are far, far safer than for instance, paracetamol, where about five people a week in this country die from accidental overdose.

I am sure that complementary medicine has little to fear from totally impartial and unbiased investigation - but where could that be done? Certainly not by universities who depend on the large pharmaceutical companies for their research funding.

I am an engineering scientist as well as a complementary practitioner and I would assure Dr Tom that I would not waste my time with things that do not work.

Dr Arthur Bailey, Nelson Road, Ilkley.

SIR - In reply to the letter from Mr Walsh of Bingley (January 11). Mr Walsh questions the power of the volunteers on the Stock Transfer boards, then derides those same volunteers as "activists" with their own axe to grind.

Yet he has never met the majority of the volunteers, of which I am proud to be one, so where does he draw these strange conclusions?

If by the word "activist" he refers to someone who is actively involved, even to the point of regularly coming head-to-head with the Council to ensure that the stock transfer proposals are to tenants benefit and not to the Council's, then, like my fellow volunteers, I hold my head up high and admit to it.

If by an axe to grind he means that I and my volunteer colleagues are working to a mandate given to us by tenant members of our resident groups to ensure their requirements are first and foremost, then again I hold my head up high and admit to it.

If, on the other hand, he means anything else, he is not only out of line but also talking utter rubbish.

Mike Stocks, (chairman, Community Association for Regeneration of Estates), The Coppies, Delph Hill, Wyke.

SIR - It is with some surprise and concern I have seen a planning application for the partial demolition of Thornton View (No 01/03896 LBC 25, hearing January).

As this is a listed building and therefore of historical and architectural significance, how is it possible a listed building can be demolished? I do hope that some of your readers will be moved to write and protest.

Perhaps the Bradford Historical Society could also lend its voice to stop Thornton View demolition. It was noticed that the planning notice is well hidden from walkers etc.

Mrs Jillian R Smith, Highgate Grove, Clayton Heights, Bradford.

SIR - I have to say that, unlike some of your correspondents, I have a real unease about the euro being accepted as Britain's currency.

I have been on holiday to many countries and the changing of sterling into the currency of these places has only ever posed a slight inconvenience.

One of my main concerns would be over the value of the euro, which I believe has lost 25 per cent since its introduction only two years ago.

What are we to believe? We get so many mixed messages from those supposedly in the know depending on which side they are on. If only we could get the truth!

Also in the T&A recently, Judith Donovan expressed a very strong view against the euro, and this lady will know more about finance than I will ever know - so again, what is the truth?

We can only hope that prior to a referendum, we can be given the full facts for and against the change of sterling to the euro so that we can at least make a reasoned choice!

Things have changed so much since we voted to be a member of the simple Common Market.

Brian Pickford, Summerbridge Crescent, Eccleshill.

SIR - The Royal National Lifeboat Institution saves lives at sea, and I wonder if your readers are aware that their unwanted jewellery and similar items can support this vital task?

Since 1986 our Jewellery Appeal has raised more than £427,000 for lifeboat funds, a sum which would buy five high-speed Atlantic 75 rigid inflatable inshore lifeboats.

I would be delighted to receive any good-quality items of jewellery that are no longer required, such as rings, brooches, bracelets, chains and watches. Gold and silver articles and small objects d'art would be very much appreciated, as would war medals and memorabilia, decorations and badges.

More than 21,000 lives have been saved by the RNLI since our appeal began. Please help me to turn unwanted jewellery into funds to support the lifeboats so that our brave crews can continue to carry out their essential work.

Roy Norgrove, Appeal Organiser, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH5 1HZ.

SIR - With reference to the letter from your correspondent, Mr Andrew Bolt warning about the rise in house insurance costs because of the riots last July.

I have just received my renewal notice for buildings and contents insurance from the Prudential and the increase is only £5, which is quite normal. I hope this reassures him.

E M Baxter, Shay Drive, Heaton.

SIR - So much for Odsal Rugby Incorporated. Why can't two other sports whose popularity is on the rise, ie speedway and greyhound racing, be catered for?

Are planners too short-sighted towards other sport lovers?

J Milner, Ashby Street, East Bowling, Bradford 4.