MADAM, While topical local debates run on and on, correspondents appear to ignore the greater threat looming over us.

I refer to the inexorable march towards war which Bush, Blair and now some European leaders are taking us.

In spite of majorities in many countries being opposed to this oil-motivated action, Bush has manipulated the UN and he and Blair are apparently hell-bent on this disastrous policy.

While millions are spent on mobilising the forces of death and destruction, Blair denies fire-fighters a reasonable rise, underfunds many vital services and imposes fees on students.

It seems war money can always be found, however strapped the economy.

Yes, Saddam Hussein is undeniably a villain, encouraged in the past by the US to acquire weapons of mass destruction when it suited their purposes; they now fear for the oil reserves they need so badly. Isn't it up to his own people to overthrow him?

And whose lives will be sacrificed in a war, not Saddam's as he will have found a safe haven, but innocent Iraqi citizens, whose children have suffered for years under the US sanctions.

A huge countrywide anti-war turnout will converge on London and cities across Europe on February 15, to show their opposition.

Contact your local campaign organiser and join this mass protest against this impending war 'Not in our Name'.

It is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that should be urgently addressed at present, as it underlies so much unrest in the Middle East.

BETTY COTTON,

Bank Cottage, Roddhurst, Powys.